CONFIDENTIAL
FOREIGN AFFAIRS DEBATE: HONG KONG
NOTES FOR SUPPLEMENTARIES
A.
AGREEMENT GENERALLY
WILL CHINESE STICK TO AGREEMENT?
1. Formal and binding international agreement to which both sides
have strongest incentives to adhere. No reason to believe that
Chinese Government will breach an agreement they have freely entered
into. China is justifiably proud of its record in meeting
obligations under international agreements.
B"
NATIONALITY
WHY EXCHANGE OF MEMORANDA? STATUS?
2=
Is
The two Governments agreed that separate exchange of memoranda
was most appropriate way of dealing with nationality questions.
associated with Joint Declaration and part of package as a whole.
Comprises unilteral statements setting out the position of each
side. As such each represents unilateral political commitment.
Wording of each memorandum agreed with other side. Texts initialled
on same occasion as text of agreement.
INTERNATIONAL RECOGNITION OF PASSPORTS
3. Both SAR and British passports will contain clear statement of
holder's right of abode in Hong Kong SAR. SAR Government will be
assisted or authorised by Central People's Government to conclude
visa abolition agreements. Every reason to be confidence of
international acceptance of these passports.
POSITION OF NON-CHINESE BDTCS
4.
Like all BDTCs, will be eligible to retain appropriate status
under British Nationality Act after 1 July 1997 if they obtain or
are included in British passport before then. CIF PRESSED]. This
means they will continue to hold British nationality. Their
CONFIDENTIAL
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.