TNAG-1393-FCO40-1865-Future-of-Hong-Kong-briefing-for-meetings-and-visits-1985 — Page 33

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nonetheless "area" cannot be avoided, the delegation should seek to ensure that this is qualified by reference to "territory" (eg through the use, perhaps as a footnote, of a disclaimer of the type routinely used in UN statistical publications, to the effect that "country or

area" covers countries, territories, cities or areas). An

unqualified reference to "area" can however be accepted as

a last resort.

4. If there are any other doubts or problems the delegation

should formally reserve their position and seek immediate guidance from the FCO, repeating

repeating by telegram to Peking and Hong

Kong.

Situations requiring a UK response

5. In the aftermath of the Sino-British Joint Declaration on

Hong Kong it is less likely that the Chinese will put on record their own view of Hong Kong's present status. If they do so the delegation should refer at once to the FCO.

6.

The full wording of the standard statement of rebuttal is as

follows:

"With reference to the statement made by the Chinese

Representative, the United Kingdom Representative wishes

to inform the meeting that his Government's views on this

question are well known, and that, under the Joint

Declaration of

of the Government of the United Kingdom of

Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the Government of

the People's Republic of China on the question of Hong Kong, which was registered with the United Nations on 12

June 1985, the two Governments agree that the Government

of the United Kingdom will be responsible for the

administration of Hong Kong up to 30 June 1997, and will

restore Hong Kong to the People's Republic of China with

effect from 1 July 1997".