TNAG-1324-FCO40-1736-Future-of-Hong-Kong-Parliamentary-debates-1984 — Page 185

Talks are proceeding in a good atmosphere and

covering much detailed ground.

Both sides are

continuing to look realistically at the Hong Kong

question from every angle in order to see how the

future stability and prosperity of the territory, the

agreed common aim of the talks, might best be

maintained.

We for our part are willing to consider

any arrangements which by attaining that objective

would be acceptable to Parliament, China and the people

of Hong Kong and would ensure continuity in Hong Kong's

structures and systems. The Government is making a

particular point of keeping in close touch with opinion

in Hong Kong, notably through the Governor and his

Executive Council.

Our aim

--

and that of the Chinese

is to seek a

Our mutual good

satisfactory negotiated settlement.

relations will help us to do so. We are proceeding the

with talks as quickly as we can, but no overall

timetable has been set for them. The overriding

consideration must be to reach the right settlement.

But as your Lordships know the Government is committed

it will be for)

in due couru

to allowing/Parliament to

decide

ws in due e

on the arrangements negotiated with the Chinese Government,

taking into account the views of the people of Hong Kong.

[Concluding passage to reflect the tone and balance of

the Debate.]

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