TNAG-1313-FCO40-1688-Future-of-Hong-Kong-views-and-involvement-of-Australia--Cana-1984 — Page 110

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Also, associated Exchange of Memoranda on status after 1997 of people who are now British Dependent Territories citizens.

9. Key features of package:

10.

Constitutes international agreement legally binding in all its parts. Highest form of commitment between two sovereign states.

Provides for continuing British responsibility for Hong Kong's administration until 1 July 1997 when Hong Kong to become a SAR of the People's Republic of China.

Deals in considerable detail with Chinese policies towards Hong Kong after 1997. Prescribes high degree of autonomy for future SAR and continuity of essential elements in Hong Kong's systems and lifestyle. Thus provides framework in which people of Hong Kong can plan and work for secure and prosperous future.

Makes clear that policies spelt out for Hong Kong to be stipulated in a Basic Law to be passed by National People's

Congress of People's Republic of China and to remain unchanged

for 50 years after 1997.

Believe agreement is a good one. Provides best possible framework for Hong Kong's continuing stability and prosperity and sound basis for continuation of Hong Kong's unique role in world. No hesitation in commending agreement to Hong Kong and to Parliament. Pleased that initial reactions to it generally favourable both within and outside Hong Kong.

11. Has been HMG's consistent position that any agreement on Hong Kong's future reached with Chinese Government must be

acceptable to people of Hong Kong. Their views taken into account

to maximum possible extent throughout negotiations, largely though not exclusively through process of regular consultation with

Governor of Hong Kong and his Executive Council.

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