TNAG-1391-FCO40-1863-Future-of-Hong-Kong-briefing-for-meetings-and-visits-1985 — Page 57

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NATIONALITY [DEFENSIVE]

6.

HMG take very seriously their obligation to ensure that BN (0) passports will be as readily acceptable as BDTC passports. We shall mount a major exercise to achieve this prior to issue of the new

passports.

HMG'S RESPONSIBILITIES TOWARDS HONG KONG

7.

Agreement clearly states that HMG will be responsible for administering Hong Kong, with object of maintaining and preserving

prosperity and stability, up

up to 1997, and that PRC will cooperate. HMG is determined to honour its obligations towards Hong Kong under

the agreement.

8.

CHINA'S

9.

CREDIBILITY

All authoritative statements by Chinese leadership indicate they

are fully committed to maintaining the provisions of the agreement.

HMG's task over next 12 years will be to ensure a smooth transition

in 1997: the JLG provides one means of enabling us to do so.

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THE ORIGINAL HAS BEEN

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EXEMPTION No....27(1)

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