TNAG-1152-FCO40-1432-Relations-between-Hong-Kong-and-the-Commonwealth-1982 — Page 70

Peking

Peking

7.

Gibraltar

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'With regard to Gibraltar, the two positions are not similar at all. Gibraltar is governed by the Treaty of Utrecht which predates the three treaties which govern the future of Hong Kong and is different and so the situations are different'.

'There is one treaty that relates to Gibraltar which is the Treaty of Utrecht. It is totally different from the treaties on Hong Kong'.

'Is the position the same with regard to Hong Kong as it is with regard to Gibraltar? The answer is no. The treaties are totally different.'

8.

Falklands

'We firmly believe in self-determination.

There were in

fact no treaties governing the position of the Falklands'.

9.

Macao

Hong Kong

[In answer to a question about how China and Portugal have dealt with Macao]

'I think that things are very very different. Macao certainly has its own currency but it is not an international traded currency as is the Hong Kong dollar, and it is not an international financial and commercial centre, Macao is not an international, financial and trading centre as Hong Kong is. I think certain similarities are drawn, but they are very very limited indeed'.

10.

Taiwan

Hong Kong

[Asked whether Taiwan was discussed with Chinese leaders]

'I did say that we thought that the latest accord between the US and China on that matter was very statesmanlike'.