TNAG-1161-FCO40-1441-Visit-by-Margaret-Thatcher--UK-Prime-Minister--to-Hong-Kong--1982 — Page 130

China can be Leit

linated.

The discord in tweet.

and Great Britain left over from history should be swept

away under the

(ii) Contents of the Treaty

(a) Tangible Items of "Friendship and Co-operation"

The detailed items for co-operation between China and Great Britain should be clearly defined, enumerated and programmed. These items should include co-operation and co-ordination in

the field of scientific and technological research; bi-lateral economic development projects and joint ventures; co-operation in various programmes of advanced and specialised training;

co-operation and concerted efforts to safeguard the world

peace, etc.. And as

soon as the treaty is concluded, concrete,

detailed steps towards the implementation of a clear-cut programme of co-operation should be taken immediately.

(b) The Hongkong Clause

There should be a specific clause in the proposed treaty to indicate that the existing system at work in Hongkong will

remain unchanged, and that Hongkong is the main. base for substantive co-operation between China and Great Britain. A declaration should be made to the effect that Hongkong's

status quo does not involve any difference of views with

regard to sovereignty. In this clause, Great Britain recognises China's claim to sovereignty over the entire

territory of Hongkong, and expresses her preparedness to negotiate the transfer of Hongkong's sovereignty with the Chinese government at the appropriate time, while China recognises the fact that, under existing circumstances,

the continuation of British administration in Hongkong is

beneficial to both nations, as well as meeting the interests

and aspirations of the residents, or the people of Hongkong.