TNAG-1844-FCO40-2619-House-of-Commons-Select-Committee-on-Foreign-Affairs-enquiry-1989 — Page 66

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TRANSCRIPT C HONG KONG SELECT COMITTEE MEETING 22 MAR 89

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FOREIGE SECRETARY.

I think that is a atter really for the Chinese people and

the Chinese leadership. But what is clear is that their

commitment to the success of the juist endeavour in relation to

Hong Kong is very important in itself.

QUESTION:

Bow

Finally, just to ask you about the implementation of the

Joint Declaration in Hong Kong and the Chinese role in it.

have the Chinese been and how cuustructive have they been as far

I mean we read about their as Hong Kong itself is concerned,

unofficial Brbuusy and their obvious interest in what goes on

there. How constructive have they been? And within that

question, have they shown any attitude towards political groupings

we talk about elections, the more bearing in mind that the more

that the old groupings, if you like, of Chinese politics loom upon

the borizon?

FOREICH SECRETARY:

Well I think on the general point there has been an

intensification of Chinese interest at every level and of every

quality in the workings of Hong Kong, whether by the growth in the number of officials visiting, whether by the visits made by the mainland members of the Basic Law Drafting Committee, by the

intensity of the interest of the Joint Liaison Group.