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CALL ON THE SECRETARY OF STATE BY ROBERT ADLEY MP: 12 JUNE
Points to make
Relations with China over Hong Kong
- No desire to pick quarrels with China. Have made clear we would prefer to discuss and settle differences through
discussion.
Encouraged by progress at recent JLG meeting (April in
Peking). Shows what can be achieved through return to more cooperative relations.
- In dealing with the very difficult issues which we face over Hong Kong, we pay due regard to Chinese sensitivities. But our prime responsibility must be to people of Hong Kong. Have obligation under Joint Declaration to maintain
stability and prosperity in remaining years of British administration. Will take decisions we consider necessary
to that end.
Nationality
It is for these reasons that we decided to take steps to
give full British citizenship to 50,000 key people in Hong Kong and their families.
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Do not believe that this decision is in conflict with
Joint Declaration or the associated Exchange of Memoranda.
British Memorandum refers only to situation on and after
1 July 1997. It does not preclude grant of British
citizenship to any person in Hong Kong before that date.
-
We are doing everything we can to convince Chinese Government that sole purpose of our nationality package is
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