TNAG-1852-FCO40-2627-House-of-Commons-Select-Committee-on-Foreign-Affairs-enquiry-1989 — Page 135

2.13

2.14

POPAAL (3)

CONFIDENTIAL

Make clear to Chinese that Hong Kong opinion is strongly opposed to stationing PLA troops in Hong Kong:

Agreed.

Have already drawn Chinese attention to these concerns. But in the event, Chinese likely to insist on some military presence in Hong Kong as sign of sovereignty.

Amendments to Basic Law should have agreement of Standing Committee of NPC, of LegCo and of Chief Executive of SAR before submission to

NPC:

No such At present only proposals from Hong Kong so restricted. restrictions in present draft on proposals made by NPC itself, nor would the Chinese be likely to agree to impose such: internal sovereignty issue. Better to save our powder for a winnable fight.

ACTIONS WITHIN HONG KONG

3.3

Remain convinced that best future for people of Hong Kong lies in Hong Kong and that the best guarantees for that future are continuing economic success of the territory and strong and stable

democratic institutions:

Agreed.

3.5

36

Hong Kong Government must take this opportunity to establish in advance of 1997 the institutions and systems best designed to guarantee Hong Kong's future autonomy and stability:

Agreed.

Decision to go ahead with construction of a second airport should be

taken as soon as possible:

This will be

This is a matter for Hong Kong Government. announced on 11 October in the Governor's speech to LegCo.

CONFIDENTIAL

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