TNAG-2488-FCO40-3619-Policy-papers-regarding-the-transfer-of-sovereignty-of-Hong--1992 — Page 7

CODE 18-77

Mr Ricketts

cket

RESTRICTED

НСС ооов

см

禽

Reference.

HONG KONG: FREEDOM

1. I see that the Chinese have grumbled quietly to Sir P Cradock about the Prime Minister's and Mr Patten's including the maintenance of Hong Kong's freedom among our objectives, as well as the time-hallowed economic prosperity and social stability.

2.

I do not think we should back off on this point, which improves the political defensibility of Government policy. But there may be advantage in using a formula about Hong Kong's life-style and the rights and freedoms of Hong Kong people; this draws closely on JD 16 and 17, which would make it somewhat more difficult for the Chinese to object.

3.

I attach the formula which Mr Fish and I used with HMOCS in Hong Kong (before I was aware of the Chinese complaints mentioned above). One could add at the end "in accordance with the Joint Declaration" in statements likely to reach Chinese ears.

N J Cox

WH 302

2650

13 May 1992

cc: Mr Bunten

Miss Saunders

Misi SAYS

No Brake Rrials

H. Apa

тра

M

13/

Соди

вы:

B

131S

PS/M. Goodlood PS/Ah batte

Sir J. Sales

J. Sales olv

Mr Burns,

1

Ms Everett, News!).

agree

Hal we need not

NJCACH

Mr Sex

Thank you

дж

RESTRICTED

feel under pressure to resita from He Prime Minister's

не

formulation

and have so told

Mr Patten. Mr Cox's suggestive above is neat.

Lichett 13/5-