TNAG-1295-FCO40-1650-Visits-by-members-of-the-Office-of-the-Unofficial-Members-of-1984 — Page 91

Why Foreign Secretary about to visit Peking?

12. My Right Honourable and Learned Friend the Foreign

Secretary will continue his series of discussions with the

Chinese Foreign Minister and other Chinese leaders on all aspects of Hong Kong's future. There is nothing unusual in the Secretary of State's visit now; the purpose is to carry forward the talks at the highest level.

Residual British status after 1997

13. The Secretary of State said in his statement in Hong Kong

on 20 April that it was not realistic to contemplate continued

British Administration in Hong Kong after 1997, and that we

were aiming to secure a high degree of autonomy for Hong Kong under Chinese sovereignty. I think the meaning of that statement

is clear.

When will draft agreement be published?

14. We are working to a timetable which takes account of

Chinese wishes and of all our own requirements.

Nature of Agreement

15. We are seeking a detailed and binding agreement in which

a framework of arrangements providing for the maintenance of

Hong Kong's systems, laws and way of life will be formally

recorded.

Have HMG concede sovereignty and/or administration?

16.

HMG are fully aware that it is not within their power to

concede sovereignty. Only Parliamentary can do that. The

issue of sovereignty will be dealt with fully in the proposals

which the government hope to put to Parliament later this year. The package of arrangements brought to Parliament must be judged as a whole.

What if no agreement can be reached?

17.

That is a hypothetical question. We are working for a

successful conclusion of the negotiations.

PLA Garrison in Hong Kong

18.

I cannot go into the details of the negotiations.