TNAG-1632-FCO40-2248-Ministerial-visits-from-the-UK-to-Hong-Kong--including-visit-1987 — Page 163

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WILL.

Q9.

IS THE WORK OF THE JOINT LIAISON GROUP GOING WELL?

A9.

YES IT IS. A LOT OF PRACTICAL ACHIEVEMENTS. E.G. HONG KONG'S SEPARATE STATUS IN GATT, AGREEMENT TO ESTABLISH SEPARATE SHIPPING REGISTER, TRANSITIONAL ARRANGEMENTS FOR TRAVEL AND IDENTITY DOCUMENTATION. EXCELLENT CO-OPERATION IN THE GROUP.

SURE THIS WILL CONTINUE.

Q10.

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PEKING WANTS THE BRITISH GARRISON TO STAY WE WANT TO SCALE IT DOWN. IS THIS ISSUE, AND THE RELATED QUESTIONS OF COST AND ACCOMMODATION FOR PLA TROOPS, ON THE WAY TO BEING RESOLVED? A10.

USEFUL DISCUSSIONS WITH CHINESE GOVERNMENT ON IMPLEMENTATION OF PROVISIONS IN JOINT DECLARATION RELATING TO DEFENCE AND MAINTENANCE OF PUBLIC ORDER. THESE DISCUSSIONS WILL CONTINUE. QUESTION OF COST OF PRESENT BRITISH GARRISON A SEPARATE MATTER. GOVERNED BY PRESENT DEFENCE COSTS AGREEMENT BETWEEN UK AND HONG KONG GOVERNMENTS. NEGOTIATIONS UNDER WAY ON

A NEW AGREEMENT. MAKING PROGRESS.

Q11. THIS YEAR HAS SEEN AN INFLUX OF ILLEGAL VIETNAMESE REFUGEES COMING TO HONG KONG FROM THEIR TEMPORARY ABODE IN CHINA

IS THIS CRISIS NOW SEEN AS BEING OVER?

A11.

YES: PLEASED TO SAY INFLUX INTO HONG KONG OF VIETNAMESE RESETTLED IN CHINA HAS EFFECTIVELY CEASED. REPATRIATION NOW UNDER WAY IN CLOSE CO-OPERATION BETWEEN HONG KONG GOVERNMENT AND CHINESE PROVINCIAL AUTHORITIES. BUT INFLUX HAS PLACED A HEAVY BURDEN ON HONG KONG'S RESOURCES. HAVE MUCH ADMIRATION FOR WAY THEY HAVE

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