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CONFIDENTIAL
FOREIGN AFFAIRS COMMITTEE: MR MAUDE'S EVIDENCE ON HONG KONG,
DECEMBER
13
GENERAL OPENING QUESTION
What is the expected timing of decisions on
(a) Constitutional Development (b) Nationality (c) Vietnamese Boat
People
(a)
Constitutional Development
Aware of pressure in Hong Kong. But not convinced that immediate decision is necessary. Important thing is to take right decision.
Need to consider wishes of Hong Kong people and take account Basic Law timetable. Key objective to ensure that system we establish endures through and beyond 1997.
(b)
Nationality
Announcement around turn of year. Not while House is in recess.
(c) Vietnamese boat people: Obvious.
Government's General Approach on Hong Kong post Tiananmen
Will administer Hong Kong to best of our ability and in best interests of Hong Kong. Must take account of Hong Kong's needs and wishes of its people But cannot ignore geographical and historical realities. Hong Kong has always prospered through its ability to take account of these realities.
Do not currently see eye to eye with China on a number of issues. Have no wish to prolong this. Our task remains to work with China for stable and prosperous Hong Kong on basis of Joint Declaration.
But will not hesitate to This cannot be achieved by confrontation
make our views known to Chinese authorities in frank and straight
forward manner.
WAYAOK
CONFIDENTIAL
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