TNAG-1626-FCO40-2240-Relations-between-Hong-Kong-and-Macau-1987 — Page 135

Portuguese Government believes that the ending of Portuguese administration of Macau should be the subject of negotiations between Portugal and the PRC at a time deemed appropriate by both

sides. Meanwhile the Portuguese Government assumes responsibility

for strict respect for the rights of Chinese citizens resident in Macau. The Portuguese Government further assures the Chinese Government that it will not permit the territory under its

administration to be used for acts hostile to the PRC."

4. The position approved by the Council of Ministers on 14 June

1978, referred to in the Record of Conversations, reaffirms

>

In

positions previously adopted by the Portuguese Government and which are evident in an MFA press release of 6 January 1975, which says

"The Portuguese Government attaches major importance to the

establishment of normal relations with the PRC, whose Government

is the sole legitimate representative of the Chinese people. conformity with this principle it considers that Taiwan is an integral part of China. The Portuguese Government believes furthermore that Macau should be the subject of negotiations at an appropriately agreed time and makes itself responsible meanwhile for strict respect for the rights of Chinese citizens resident there."

5.

During the official visit by President Eanes to China, a joint

communiqué was issued on 23 May 1985 in Peking expressly stating that Portugal and China "have agreed to begin negotiations in the

near future through diplomatic channels in order to resolve the question of Macau".

6. Thus in accordance with the main lines of Portuguese policy since 1975, and with compromises adopted by Portugal, negotiatons on Macau began in 1986 between Portugal and China. Three rounds have

taken place as well as the visit to Lisbon of the Chinese Vice

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Zhou Nan.

7. As is well known, although the conduct of foreign affairs is

within the Government's competence, in relations to Macau (as with Timor) the Constitution gives the President co-responsibility with

the Government.

The conversations with the PRC are being conducted in an amicable atmosphere.

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