XN000022-1984-09-26 — Page 25

comes

into

5

the

the

Declaration

force. I am confident that governments of Hong Kong's main partners can be persuaded to accept that the success of this agreement will be in wider interest. This will enable Hong

enable Hong Kong's network of external economic relations to be maintained and developed, and in particular allow the rights of

to overseas of access

а now set out in markets for Hong Kong's goods, now

series of multilateral and bilateral agreements, to be preserved.

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the for the

Land has always

always played an important role in

The of Hong Kong. economy

provides agreement continuation of existing land grants: and the means whereby new land may continue to be

be made available to meet Hong Kong's future needs. Many existing leases extend beyond

such leases, 1997:

and the rights in

will such leases, continue to be recognised after the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. Other leases, which are due to expire on or before 1997, may be renewed for 50 years after that date: new leases will be granted extending up to the year 2047. The uncertainty concerning existing rights in land and future land tenure has thus been replaced by detailed

which should

confidence and provisions encourage investment.

15

give

The Chinese Government has always regarded all Hong Kong Chinese as Chinese nationals: the majority of them have British nationals under British law. In been regarded as such circumstances solution was

a

It has been not easy.

status

of

found in a practical arrangement. It is obvious that the British Dependent Territories Citizen cannot continue after 1997. But all present British Dependent Territories Citizens and those who will become British Dependent Territories Citizens up to 30 June 1997 will be elegible for a new status. This will enable them to obtain British passports of new type before this date, and to continue to travel on them after that date if they so wish. Their right to travel freely is enshrined in the agreement.

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I recognise that this agreement may not be regarded as completely satisfactory by all whom it affects on all points. No agreement could achieve that. But throughout these negotiations we have listened carefully to the people of Hong Kong. There has been a constant flow of information, comment and advice on what the people of Hong Kong would wish

see in the agreement. These views have been conveyed to Her Majesty's Government in London and taken fully

fully into account in the negotiations. In the light of this I can say without hesitation that the agreement provides a sound basis future ΟΠ which the community in Hong Kong can build its because it provides for the continuation of those elements which the community of Hong Kong have made clear that they regard as essential.

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