TNAG-1248-FCO40-1562-Press-reports-on-the-future-of-Hong-Kong-1983 — Page 77

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SIND-BRITISH TALKS ON COLONY'S FUTURE TO RESUME ON JULY 2

PEKING, JULY 13, REUTERSINO-BRITISH TALKS ON THE FUTURE Mr. Walker

* DE HONG KONG WILL RESUME IN PEKING ON JULY 25, CHINESE AND

BRITISH OFFICIALS SAID TODAY AT THE END OF A PRELIMINARY ROUND P.

DE DETAILED NEGOTIATIONS.

Cursor STATEMENT SAID THE TWO SIDES HAVE HAD USEFUL AND

CONSTRUCTIVE TALKS, BUT GAVE NO DETAILS.

SOURCES IN HONG KONG CLOSE TO THE TALKS SAID THEY HAD

COVERED +TECHNICAL ISSUES+ AND AVOIDED THE SENSITIVE PROBLEM OF SOVEREIGNTY.

BOTH SIDES HAD MADE COMPROMISES TO ALLOW DETAILED, DISCUSSIONS WITHOUT AN AGREEMENT ON SOVEREIGNTY, PREVIOUSLY THE MAIN OBSTACLE TO TALKS ON THE FUTURE OF THE COLONY, MOST OF WHICH IS RULED. BY BRITAIN UNDER A 99-YEAR LEASE EXPIRING IN 1997.

ARRANGEMENCE OFFICIALS

THE SOURCES, WHO ASKED NOT TO BE IDENTIFIED, SAID ISSUES

· DISCUSSED INCLUDED ADMINISTRATIVE TO MAINTAIN THE PROSPERITY AND STABILITY OF HONG KONG, WHICH HAVE SAID IS ONE OF THEIR MAIN AIMS.

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