Answers
preparedt submitte of
to muss whiting, News Dept,
On 12/44.
SECRETARY OF STATE'S HONG KONG INTERVIEW: QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
Q1.
A.
WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF YOUR VISIT TO PEKING AND HONG KONG?
Visiting Peking at invitation of Chinese Foreign Minister.
Will have talks with him and other Chinese leaders,
principally on Hong Kong. Easter recess provides timely opportunity to review personally with my Chinese counterpart the progress being made in the Hong Kong talks. My aim is to further that progress on basis of good relations between
Britain and China.
My visit to Hong Kong will provide excellent opportunity to
get first hand view of the territory and to discuss with a wide range of people on all matters relating to Hong Kong's future. The British Government attach much importance to keeping in close personal touch with Hong Kong opinion.
Ministerial visits play an important part in this process.
Q2.
WHAT ARE BRITAIN'S AIMS IN THE CONTINUING NEGOTIATIONS WITH
THE CHINESE?
A.
negotiated
Our objective is to seek a satisfactory
settlement with the Chinese Government which will
ensure the maintenance of Hong Kong's stability and prosperity, the agreed common aim of the talks, and will be acceptable to Parliament, China and the people of Hong Kong. Hong Kong people have shown clearly that they wish to see continuity in the systems/freedoms which characterise Hong
Kong life today. Our task, as the negotiations continue, is
to examine with the Chinese Government all feasible options
for assuring such continuity.
Q2a.
HOW ARE NEGOTIATIONS GOING?
A.
Cannot divulge contents of negotiations which by common
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