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The
speak and meet and travel as they wish. HMG fully support this objective. At present it is guaranteed by British administration. In the future it is possible to visualise a number of
ways in which continuity might be assured.
ideas about Hong Kong's future, publicly expressed by the Chinese Government, themselves lay heavy stress on continuity. Our present task is to examine all options thoroughly and
seriously together with the Chinese Government.
We seek an arrangement acceptable to both sides
in the negotiations to this House and the
Chinese Government as well as to the people of
Hong Kong. We bear in mind reality of the lease
on 92% of the territory, which expires in 1997. We are still negotiating. The final package
will be crucial. I believe that, while change
in Hong Kong, which has always been an evolving
society, is inevitable, we can reach an
agreement which will assure genuine continuity
of autonomy and freedom for Hong Kong.
-
(the)
C.
(i)
(j)
(k)
STATEMENT IN HONG KONG:
MID-APRIL
As points a-h above, plus the following elements:
History and background of negotiations.
Description of joint aim and clearer definition of
our current negotiating objective. Statement that
continuing British administration after 1997 is not
attainable.
Description of the likely form of a bilateral agreement (joint agreement, associated Chinese
statement, annexes).
(1)
(m)
Outline indication of likely content of an agreement. Indication of nature of assurances that might be
sought.
(n)
Basis of likely recommendation to Parliament:
will then be up to Parliament to decide.
it
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