{
معلم
REGELN 221/2
2 3 AUG 1993
DESK SEINS
MR GOODLAD'S MEETING WITH THE INDIAN FOREIGN MINISTER: 24 AUGUST
HONG KONG
Points to Make
Talks with China on Hong Kong
- We remain committed to good cooperation with China on the
basis of the Joint Declaration. Aim remains a smooth transition
in 1997. There has been no change in our policy on this.
- We are presently engaged in talks with the Chinese on
electoral arrangements for the 1994/95 elections in Hong Kong. Our aim in these talks is to reach an understanding with China
on arrangements that are fair, open and acceptable to the people
of Hong Kong.
- If that proves possible, we and the Governor will recommend
the outcome to the Legislative Council. It will be for them to pass the necessary legislation.
But there
- We want to give the talks every chance to succeed.
is not infinite time. Legislation has to be in place in time
for District Board elections in 1994.
Ethnic Minorities (Defensive)
The Joint Declaration and Article 24(6) of the Basic Law guarantee the ethnic minorities, which includes the Indian
Community, right of abode in Hong Kong if they do not have it
elsewhere.
- No-one from this community will become stateless.
all retain a form of British Nationality after 1997.
will their children or grandchildren be stateless.
They will
Neither
ind.min.NAT
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