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Mr Rifkind: I'm not questioning that. That's exactly the point that I made to your colleague. That if representations are required, and this doesn't just apply to Hong Kong, it applies to a number of other dependant territories that we have, that if representations are being made to a foreign government, then as long as we have that constitutional responsibility, we will make the representations. That does not mean that the obligation to solve a problem within Hong Kong that does involve another country is the responsibility of the British Government. The Hong Kong Government has that responsibility, it has had that responsibility since the problem arose. We all are working together to resolve that problem. I think there is good prospect that it will be resolved but please do not expect us to introduce some new constitutional principle with regard to certain problems if, hypothetically, they were not resolved by 30th of June of next year.

Dr Leong Che-hung: Well, I think the Foreign Secretary has been kind enough to have given more time than expected. There are still two other problems that we would like him to solve for us. Perhaps you would like to answer us in writing on these

concerns.

Mr Rifkind: Certainly.

Dr Leong Che-hung: These concern two Hong Kong citizens detained in the Philippines and one detained in China. We do hope that we can look forward to you replying to us in writing.

Mr Rifkind: Well, can I perhaps on both of these matters at this time. With regard to the Philippines my understanding is that we have indeed made representations at both ambassadorial level and at ministerial level and will continue to do so until this matter is I hope satisfactorily resolved.

With regard to Hong Kong citizens in China, when the Chinese Foreign Minister was in London we raised that matter with him at that time and I would certainly expect to continue seeking to influence these matters when I am in Peking.

Dr Leong Che-hung: So with that, could I on behalf of all of you thank the Foreign Secretary and his team for spending his time with us. We wish him a successful trip to Beijing and hope that he will reflect our views to his counterparts in China. Thank you very much.

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