TNAG-2493-FCO40-3625-Future-of-Hong-Kong-constitutional-development-Chinese-reac-1992 — Page 46

Reference.

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Miss Brooks

Legal Advisers

STATEMENT BY CHINESE FOREIGN MINISTRY SPOKESMAN ON 12 NOV

1. I attach a copy of an SWB report of a statement made by the Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesman in response to Gareth Evans comments in support of the Governor's proposals. The spokesman also goes on to repeat the assertion that Hong Kong is a bilateral affair until 1997 and an internal matter for China after then. As you have pointed out this is not in accordance with the JD.

2. I should be grateful for your views on the attached speaking note which might be used by Mr Hum with the Chinese Ambassador. The note only comments on the second part of the statement. My intention is that it should be silent on our views on whether Hong Kong is a purely bilateral matter before 1997.

RASA

nt

RAJ Bunten

16 November 1992

bilat.hin

CODE 18-77

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HKC 012/4