TNAG-1325-FCO40-1737-Future-of-Hong-Kong-Parliamentary-debates-1984 — Page 244

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MOTION FOR THE WHITSUN ADJOURNMENT

FUTURE OF HONG KONG

BACKGROUND

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1. The fourteenth round of the second, more detailed phase of talks

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on Hong Kong's future took place in Peking on 9/10 May. The following

statement was issued there on 10 May:

'The Chinese and British sides continued their useful and

constructive talks on the Hong Kong question on 9 and 10

May in Peking. It was agreed that the fifteenth round of

talks would take place on 30 and 31 May in Peking'.

2. The Secretary of State visited Peking from 16-18 April and held

discussions with Chinese leaders, including Deng Xiaoping, on all

aspects of Hong Kong's future. Some progress was made during the

visit, but there are still difficulties which need to be resolved.

3. The Secretary of State visited Hong Kong from 18-20 April and

had discussions with the Governor, the Executive Council and

representatives of a wide range of Hong Kong opinion. On 20 April,

he made a statement describing the way in which we are approaching

the negotiations with the Chinese.

4. HMG's aim in the talks is to seek a solution which would preserve

Hong Kong's stability, prosperity and way of life after 1997 and

would be acceptable to the British and Chinese governments and to

the people of Hong Kong.

5. The House of Commons debated the future of Hong Kong on 16 May

Hong Kong Department. 15 May 1984.

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