TNAG-1379-FCO40-1827-Future-of-Hong-Kong-legislation-Hong-Kong-Bill-1985 — Page 168

CONFIDENTIAL

In recent years the invariable practice when the UK divests itself of sovereignty over territory has been to do so upon

the authority of an Act of Parliament. The situation of

Hong Kong is of course different, since in this case we are

entering into an agreement with another power to terminate

Sovereignty as from a certain specified date. But this does

not affect the need for parliamentary authority for the

termination of sovereignty: this authority must exist before

the Government ratifies the agreement and thus creates an international obligation.

I will endeavour to

answer as many of the points raised by

your Lordships as possible in relation

in relation to Clause One of this

Bill.

But first I would

I would like to express the Government's gratitude for the all-party support the Bill has received from the

House. I am sure it is important to maintain this consensus in the coming 12 years for the sake of confidence in Hong

Kong.

CONFIDENTIAL