TNAG-1984-FCO40-2817-Presentation-of-UK-policy-on-Hong-Kong-to-the-media-1989 — Page 44

to the Chinese Government.

Since most of Hong Kong would in any

case revert to Chinese jurisdiction in 1997 under a Treaty, the

validity of which we did not and could not challenge, the only way forward was to negotiate alternative arrangements under Chinese

sovereignty that would command confidence in Hong Kong. From October 1983, the two sides began to discuss arrangements that would

secure for Hong Kong after 1997 a high degree of autonomy under

Chinese sovereignty; and which would enable Hong Kong, as a Special

Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China, to preserve its existing way of life and the essential elements of its present

system. After intensive work and negotiation, an agreement between the two Governments embodying this concept that of "one country

two systems was initialled on 26 September 1984.

"

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5. The draft agreement was widely accepted in Hong Kong and there was general recognition that a document containing such detailed and comprehensive provisions was the best that could have

been achieved in the circumstances. It exceeded the expectations

of many people, who had assumed that any agreement on Hong Kong's

future would be couched in very general terms. The agreement was

widely welcomed internationally as a major diplomatic achievement.

MOPAAD 3

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