TNAG-1325-FCO40-1737-Future-of-Hong-Kong-Parliamentary-debates-1984 — Page 129

CONFIDENTIAL

What if a Draft Agreement was Rejected by Hong Kong?

8.

That is a hypothetical question. We are working to achieve an

agreement which will be acceptable to the people of Hong Kong. The

continuing consultations that are taking place with the Hong Kong people help us to know what their aspirations are.

Can a Draft Agreement be Amended after Publication?

9.

That is the sort of procedural matter on which I cannot

speculate while the confidential negotiations are continuing.

Should Ratification be Withheld until the Basic Law is Published?

10.

Cannot go into details of our negotiating position.

Parallel with Shanghai

11. There is no real parallel. In the case of Hong Kong we are taking of a binding international agreement setting out arrangements

for the future. There was no such undertaking in the case of Shanghai: and China has changed over 35 years.

PLA Garrison in Hong Kong

edicern

But I think-we

12. I cannot go into details of the negotiations. should all take note of the elaim expressed by the Hong Kong public at the suggestion that the PLA troops might be stationed in the territory after 1997.

prospect

Why Make Statement in Hong Kong on 20 April?

13. My visit to Hong Kong in April provided a timely opportunity to say something at first hand to the people of Hong Kong about the way in which the British Government is approaching the Sino-British

talks on Hong Kong's future.

CONFIDENTIAL