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CONFIDENTIAL
"HONG KONG: ADJOURNMENT DEBATE ON 31 OCTOBER
DRAFT SPEAKING NOTE FOR MR RAISON
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1. I am grateful to my honourable Friend, the member for Christchurch for providing a further occasion explain to the House, the position of Her Majesty's Government with regard to the future
of Hong Kong.
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The
2. Our confidential talks with the Chinese Government on the
future of Hong Kong are continuing through diplomatic channels in
Peking. Five meetings have now taken place in the second, more
detailed phase. They have been serious, substantive sessions,
taking place in a friendly atmosphere against the background of our good relations with China. The most recent meeting on 19/20 October was described by both sides as useful and constructive. next round of talks will take place on 14/15 November. Our Ambassador in Peking, Sir Percy Cradock, will continue to lead our negotiating team until he leaves Peking in December. I should like
to take this opportunity of paying tribute to the skill with which
he has conducted the discussions so far as well as that of the
Governor of Hong Kong, Sir Edward Youde, who has attended the
meetings.
3.
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In the talks the common aim agreed by both governments is to maintain Hong Kong's stability and prosperity. I am confident that progress will continue in seeking a negotiated settlement acceptable to this Parliament, to the Government of China and to the people of
Hong Kong.
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We attach the highest importance to the maintenance of good. relations with the Government of China. We welcome the opportunity provided by the Hong Kong negotiations to build further upon those relations as well as to meet our responsibility for Hong Kong. successful conclusion of an agreement between the British and Chinese governments on arrangements to safeguard the territory's future will help Anglo/Chinese relations to enter a
to enter a new phase of mutual confidence and cooperation.
CONFIDENTIAL
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