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DSR 11C
Q. Does this commitment include defending Hong Kong agains
A.
external aggression?
HMG does of course have responsibility for the defence
of Hong Kong. Chinese leaders have stressed on several
occasions their desire for Hong Kong's continuing
prosperity and its importance as a commercial centre
and free port.
better.
Chinese/UK relations have never been
A.
Questions about the expiry of the New Territories Lease:
Obviously the expiry of the New Territories Lease in
1997 will pose problems. As Mr Atkins said after his
visit to China in January, the Chinese are thinking
about the future of Hong Kong with a view to discussing
it with HMG in due course. The Chinese have made it
clear that they regard as important elements in this
the continued prosperity of Hong Kong and its position
as a free port and financial and commercial centre.
Q.
A.
Will the wishes of the people of Hong Kong (like those
of the Falkland Islands) be regarded as paramount?
The wishes and views of the people of Hong Kong would b
taken into account.
Q.
Would HMG consider a 'lease-back' on the lines previous
mooted in the context of the Falkland Islands?
A.
The major part of the Territory is already the subject
of a lease arrangement and the two situations are not
analogous.
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