TNAG-2290-FCO40-3296-Relations-between-Hong-Kong-and-Macau-1991 — Page 146

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SECRETARY OF STATE'S MEETING WITH PORTUGUESE FOREIGN

MINISTER: 12 JUNE 1991

HKCO20/1

LATIF NO. 8: HONG KONG/MACAU

Points to Make

-

Still no agreement on Hong Kong's new airport.

Chinese

seeking unrealistic commitments on Hong Kong's finances and greater say in Hong Kong matters straddling 1997.

Have told the Chinese that we are willing to intensify

cooperation to bring about a smooth transition in 1997. We

will consult and where possible take account of their views.

Essential however that Hong Kong Government has the ability to govern effectively up to 1997.

-

Against this background unlikely to see significant

progress at the Joint Liaison Group meeting in Hong Kong

11-13 June.

Any similar problem over Macau? Are the Chinese seeking more involvement in major issues straddling 1999? Will the

appointment of the new Governor (General Rocha Vieira) affect dealings with China?

Hong Kong Bill of Rights passed by Legislative Council on

5 June. Implements in local law relevant provisions of ICCPR already applied to Hong Kong. Important in building Hong Kong people's confidence in the future. Chinese have

never seen the need for the Bill, though we have tried to allay their concerns. Their public reaction to the Bill,

though critical, has been comparitively restrained and

open-ended.

CC1ACG/1

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