BACKGROUND
INTERNATIONAL SUPPORT
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1. Hong Kong has not normally figured on the agenda for CHOGM, but exceptionally in 1989 HMG lobbied for a reference
in the Kuala Lumpur Communiqué. CHOGM was seen as an opportune moment to marshal international support for the restoration of confidence in Hong Kong damaged by the events
in Tiananmen Square. Unfortunately the Chinese reacted badly and claimed that we were attempting to "internationalise" Hong Kong, (they fear that we intend to subvert the restoration of Chinese sovereignty after 1997 by encouraging international supervision over the terrority). If we are successful in keeping the Harare communiqué brief, a reference to Hong Kong could appear unduly prominent and arouse Chinese suspicions. If however the Communique turns into a lengthy and wide-ranging document, there should be no harm in a carefully worded reference (draft at Annex A). If the opportunity arises in the margins, it would be worth encouraging colleagues to do what they can to help support Hong Kong. (They might wish to emulate Canada which already has a firm policy to promote confidence in Hong Kong.
JOINT LIAISON GROUP
2.
The Joint Liaison Group held its twentieth meeting in London from 24-26 September 1991. Following agreement in Peking during the Prime Minister's visit that the JLG should make faster progress, the discussions were held in a more co-operative atmosphere at any time since 1989. Agreement was reached on: the early establishment of the Court of Final Appeal; a draft model investment promotion and protection agreement; the localisation of the Shipowners' Liability Act; the continued application after 1997 of ten customs treaties; and a number of improvements to certain
civil service pension arrangements.
The JLG also discussed
major franchises, the right of abode in Hong Kong after
POPAKK/3
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Private notes are available after approval.