Keeping prospects for next JLG meeting (scheduled for 18-21 July in London under review. Have not yet taken final decision.
ANY QUESTION OF HMG REFUSING TO HAND OVER SOVEREIGNTY IN 1997?
(If it became clear that Chinese would not abide by undertakings given in Joint Declaration, would HMG refuse to hand over sovereignty? If 1997 were now, would you hand over Hong Kong?)
Reality is that 92% of territory of Hong Kong reverts to China in
1997 by Treaty. Remaining 8% not viable on its own. That is the inevitable context in which our policy on Hong Kong must be based.
Our aim must continue to be to create the conditions in which the
transfer of sovereignty in 1997 can take place in a way which preserves stability and prosperity of Hong Kong.
Despite deplorable events in Peking, fact remains that it is in
China's long terms interests for Hong Kong to continue to be
successful.
How?
Our task, but above all task of Chinese Government, is to restore
confidence in China's commitment to undertakings made in Joint Declaration. These are internationally binding commitments, given
to Britain and Hong Kong. We must hold China to these commitments.
How! What don
HMG SHOULD RENEGOTIATE JOINT DECLARATION OR SEEK TO SECURE
ADDITIONAL GUARANTEES? (cf promises given by China to Taiwan that it may retain its own defence force after reunification with China)
2
-
Joint Declaration is very comprehensive document.
see what further provisions could be added.
Difficult to
byshiny marki h
Ann
-wden
or Girls'
If we were to try to negotiate Joint Declaration, cannot be sure
we would get better terms. Would run risk of unravelling Agreement.
But if it was concluded that additional measures were needed to
bolster confidence in Joint Declaration, we could look at this.
JONAAY3
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.