TNAG-1934-FCO40-2760-Future-of-Hong-Kong-follow-up-to-13th-meeting-of-the-Sino-Br-1989 — Page 17

HKC031/25

FCO PRESS CONFERENCE: MONDAY 9 OCTOBER 1989

As used.

де

fara/10

2

AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE UK AND ITALY CONCERNING COLLABORATION IN THE

EXPLOITATION OF THE SPALLATION NEUTRON SOURCE ISIS FOR CONDENSED

MATTER RESEARCH

Spokesman announced that the Hon Francis Maude MP, Minister of State

for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, had this morning signed a

bilateral Agreement concerning collaboration in the Exploitation of

Spallation Neutron Source ISIS for Condensed Matter Research between

the United Kingdom and Italy. The signatory for Italy was the Ambassador of the Italian Republic, His Excellency Signor Boris

Biancheri.

HONG KONG: CHINESE ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS

In response to a question about the Chinese decision to stop receiving illegal immigrants from Hong Kong, Spokesman said that we

were aware of the difficulties at the Man Kam To border crossing

point on 8 October. We hoped these difficulties were temporary. The Hong Kong Government was discussing the matter with the Chinese

authorities. We hoped that normal procedures would be resumed as

soon as possible.

HONG KONG: AMBASSADOR KE'S REMARKS IN THE PEOPLE'S DAILY

In response to a question about an interview given by Ambassador Ke, Spokesman said that we had not seen a full text. From what we had seen, however, it did not appear that Ambassador Ke had said

anything significantly new. The UK Government's view on the subject of confidence in Hong Kong was well known. This view had been put

forcefully to the Chinese authorities at the recent JLG meeting.

The Chinese authorities were also well aware that our commitment to

the Joint Declaration was undiminished. It was essential that we

return to constructive dialogue with the Chinese authorities to

restore confidence in Hong Kong's future.

Asked whether the UK had connived at "activities" aimed at