TNAG-1394-FCO40-1866-Future-of-Hong-Kong-interest-from-other-countries-1985 — Page 35

Mr.

Pywell

CONFIDENTIAL

3 minuter.

5.

MEETING WITH BUNDESTAG FOREIGN AFFAIRS COMMITTEE, 1445 HOURS, 6

MARCH 1985

AKK040/16 040/16

ROC

S MAR 1985

2

3

HONG KONG

1.

Outcome of

Agreement signed on 19 December by Prime Minister.

two years of intensive and often difficult negotiations.

Geoffrey Howe's personal role.

2.

-

3.

Agreement a good one for people of Hong Kong:

International legally binding agreement

Will be incorporated in Basic Law

Contains a good deal of detail

2 things.

Sir

Prencive systems & way of life

Giom it, a way mijn

degree of arvonsang

regulating its an affais.

International welcome. Partners and allies have welcomed the

Grateful for support. Goodwi 11 will continue to be

agreement.

important to Hong Kong in making transition to SAR.

4.

Assessment Exercise.

of Hong Kong.

Agreement acceptable to majority of people.

5.

to

i

Prime Minister's visit.

Chinese leaders

leaders reaffirmed commitment

mp lementing agreement and to consultation of Hong Kong's opinion

on the Basic

Basic Law on a wide basis. Basic Law to be completed by

1990.

6.

Hong Kong Bill.

in Lords. Must be

meet in late March.

UK now moving towards implementation. Bill now

ratified before 30 June 1985. NPC expected to

7.

Joint Liaison Group.

Discussions with Chinese.

British

side will approach JLG in positive spirit; great deal to discuss.

CONFIDENTIAL