TNAG-1624-FCO40-2238-Relations-between-Hong-Kong-and-China-1987 — Page 107

PQS TABLED BY MR DAVID ATKINSON AND MR JACQUES ARNOLD ON

SINO-UK RELATIONS FOR 21 OCTOBER

ADDITIONAL SUPPLEMENTARIES

1. TIBET

What is HMG's policy on the status of Tibet and Chinese claims to sovereignty?

Successive British Governments have consistently regarded Tibet as autonomous while recognising the special position of the Chinese authorities there.

This continues to be the Government's view.

What does "autonomy" amount to?

Tibet was proclaimed an autonomous region in 1965. The Chinese Government have recently announced that from July next year all officials in Tibet will have to be able to speak Tibetan. They have increased development aid with a view to improving Tibets economic self-sufficiency. Some of the damage done to temples has been repaired and a measure of religion

freedom restored.

What is HMG's reaction to recent events/Human Rights

in Tibet?

Deeply regret loss of life and injuries in recent disturbances. Believe best way we can help Tibetan people is to encourage Chinese government to continue its programme of economic and political reforms. We

NB8AAV