TNAG-1324-FCO40-1736-Future-of-Hong-Kong-Parliamentary-debates-1984 — Page 14

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binding by the international community. The international prestige of both countries would be at stake. I

have no doubt that the Chinese Government attach the highest importance to China's international reputation.

In addition there would be a clear common interest that Hong Kong should continue to flourish. Thus there

would be a powerful incentive to maintain the agreement.

16.

From the very beginning of our negotiation with the Chinese Government our consultation with the people

of Hong Kong has been a continuous process. It had taken many forms our close contact with the Executive

Council, Ministerial visits to the territory, the reception of delegations to London and attention to the

views and opinions which reach the Hong Kong Government through many channels. The views expressed by the

Hong Kong people will continue to be taken fully into account in our approach to the negotiation. We are

aware of the importance of getting the right agreement. The process of consultation, active and diverse from

the beginning, has been intensified since my visit to the territory. And in due course the Hong Kong people

will have a full opportunity to express their views on the text of a draft agreement. We are actively

considering how our assessment of Hong Kong opinion might best be carried forward at that stage.

many channels open to us. There are very real drawbacks to a referendum but, whatever method is adopted, I

should like to assure Honourable members that we will spare no effort to ensure that, when the time comes to

debate the draft agreement, the House will have a very clear indication of the views of Hong Kong people.

There are

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