TNAG-1117-FCO40-1391-Future-of-the-Dependent-Territories-1982 — Page 16

BACKGROUND ON HONG KONG

HONG KONG'S SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES

1.

Hong Kong differs from Britain's other Dependent Territories

in that:

a. it has a far larger population (approximately 5.2 million);

b. 98% of that population are Chinese;

c. 92% of the Territory is held under a lease from China

due to expire in 1997.

2.

Because of these special circumstances, particularly the

question of the lease and China's attitude to the Territory, the

normal process of constitutional development is not a practicable

proposition for Hong Kong,

3. The question of Hong Kong was discussed during the Prime

Minister's visit to Peking in September. It was agreed that the

two Governments would enter talks through diplomatic channels

with the common aim of maintaining the stability and prosperity

of Hong Kong.

THE UNITED NATIONS AND HONG KONG

4.

5.

The United Kingdom no longer transmits information in respect

of Hong Kong under Article 73(e) of the United Nations Charter.

In accordance with Article 73(e) of the United Nations

Charter, the United Kingdom began transmitting information on

Hong Kong to the Secretary-General annually from 1947.

the General Assembly adopted the Declaration of the Granting of

Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples (Resolution 1514

In 1960

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