TNAG-1987-FCO40-2820-Presentation-of-UK-policy-on-Hong-Kong-to-the-media-1989 — Page 113

CODE 18-77

Miss Bhadhal

UND

Reference...

CONFIDENTIAL

HKD 30111

ROFAHS

FILE

(166)

CPA: ANNUAL CNFERENCE.

MATERIAL ON DECOLONISATION

1. I am concerned that the most significant remaining Dependent Territory, Hong Kong, is not accurately covered in the speaking note. Paragraph 3 is particulary inappropriate Hong Kong people have never been consulted on independence, since that is not an option. I suggest a new paragraph 4 be inserted as follows:

"Hong Kong is a special case. Existing treaty arrangements preclude independence. But we have signed a widely acclaimed internationally binding agreement with the Chinese Government that provides for the continuity of the current social and economic systems, and of the rights and freedoms presently enjoyed by Hong Kong citizens".

Certain other consequential amendments to the existing text may then be desirable.

dhill usitare.

M Stone

Hong Kong Department WH 312

270 2651

18 August 1989

CONFIDENTIAL