TNAG-1437-FCO40-1921-Constitutional-development-in-Hong-Kong-1986 — Page 84

DEC 31 '85 17:50 GIS HK

Date:

Time:

30.12.85

9.35

10.45 a.m.

Reporter:

RG/10

1

A.

P.10

2

There are many, many, other means of

expression of opinion in Hong Kong, and opinion develops in Hong Kong,.

3 through a process of public comment and debate. It is a constructive

process.

5

6

Q.

But do you feel that you now need

7 Peking's approval, before you carry out any further political

8

development in Hong Kong?

Y

10

A.

I think there has to be a constructive

11

exchange of views.

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13

Q.

14

must be an exchange of views.

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16

But you said earlier clearly there

Merely an exchange of views? Or do you, like the gentleman over there said, need their permission? Can you clarify the two?

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xa

A.

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We have stressed I think, and both

the Governments of Britain and China have stressed that Britain is

responsible for Hong Kong's administration until 1997. The Hong Kong

Government, the British Government, will have to make decisions about

the development of Hong Kong in this interim period. Britain is

responible.

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8 2 2 2 2 2

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223

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ا ا ا ا ا ا نی یاری

35

36

Q.

on the basis of what China likes?

A.

But will you be making these decisions

The Hong Kong system has to develop

in conformity with the Joint Declaration, and both countries are

concerned to see that it does. We mustn't lose sight of the Joint

Declaration. And both countries have an interest in the development

of the system in Hong Kong so that it develops in conformity with the

Joint Declaration. So that Hong Kong, by 1997, will exercise a high degree of autonomy within the framework of the Joint Declaration.

VERBATIM REPORTERS

HONG KONG

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