TNAG-1295-FCO40-1650-Visits-by-members-of-the-Office-of-the-Unofficial-Members-of-1984 — Page 90

What about remaining 8%?

5.

The remaining part of the territory is not viable without

the New Territories.

Independence for Hong Kong?

6. With the New Territories Lease due to expire in 1997, this

is not a faesible option.

Aim of talks

7.

There is an agreed common aim of maintaining Hong Kong's

stability and prosperity. HMG's aim is to agree through discussions with the Chinese Government, arrangements for the future which will maintain Hong Kong's stability and prosperity

and be acceptable to the British Parliament, the Government of

China and the people of Hong Kong.

Progress of talks

8. Eighteen rounds of talks have so far taken place in the

second, more detailed phase. They are proceeding in a friendly

atmosphere. By common agreement the content of the talks is

confidential.

The Working Group

9. A working group has been established to consider documents

submitted by the two sides in pursuit of their objective of

reaching agreement as soon as possible on the question of Hong

Kong. The British side is led by Dr David Wilson, Assistant

Under Secretary at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office. The

group is working full time between rounds of formal talks.

Both working group teams are responsible to the Chairman of

their respective government delegations who remain responsible

for the overall conduct of the negotiations.

Details of the work of the Working Group

10. The content of the talks remains confidential.

Visit of Mr Luce to Hong Kong

member for Shasham

11. The Rt Hon visited Hong Kong from 12-14 July for routine consultations. He had useful meetings with the Executive and

Legislative Councils of Hong Kong and with community and

business representatives.

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