TNAG-1388-FCO40-1859-Future-of-Hong-Kong-Sino-British-Joint-Declaration-1985 — Page 305

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TRADE MISSION TO CHINA LED BY MINISTER WITHOUT PORTFOLIO,

27 FEBRUARY

-

9 MARCH 1985

CHINA POLITICAL RELATIONS

UKYCHINA

HONG KONG

ESSENTIAL FACTS

1. The main purpose of the Prime Minister's visit to Peking in

December was to

sign the Hong Kong agreement and to

UK's continued commitment to the people of Hong Kong.

remained centre stage throughout the visit.

demonstrate the

Hong Kong

2. The Prime Minister discussed Hong Kong with Deng Xiaoping, Zhao

Ziyang and Hu Yaobang. She also made a speech at the signature

ceremony and referred to Hong Kong in her speech at the banquet.

1

Premier Zhao agreed that the Prime Minister could repeat his remarks

on China S commitment to implementing agreement, and on China's

intention to solicit Hong Kong views on the drafting of the Basic

In Hong mag!

Law on

a wide basist The Prime Minister assured Chinese leaders

that the maintenance of stability and prosperity was our pri

primaŋaim,

and that Britain would administer Hong Kong prudently up to 1997.

3.

Parliament endorsed the Government's decision of principle to sign the agreement in December 1984. We need to legislate for the termination of sovereignty and jurisdiction over Hong Kong and for

other related aspects before we

A Bill to can ratify the agreement.

this end was introduced in the House of Commons on 10 January and

given its Second Reading on 21 January. The Joint Declaration states that the Exchange of Instruments of Ratification shall take

placed before 30 June 1985.

4.

on We will shortly open discussions with the Chinese the setting up of the Joint Liaison Group and the Land Commission to be established after the entry into force of the agreement. Liaison Group will meet in London, Peking and Hong Kong up to 1 July 1988 when it will establish its principal base in Hong Kong. will be five British and five Chinese members on the Group.

The Joint

There

The

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