TNAG-2494-FCO40-3626-Future-of-Hong-Kong-constitutional-development-Chinese-reac-1992 — Page 203

23 November 1992

BY FAX

Mr Nigel Cox Peking

Dear Nigel.

HONG KONG : LOCUS POST

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1997

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fixed (87

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Foreign and Commonwealth Office

London SW1A 2AH

нісс RECEI

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1.

I think we noted during your time here a Chinese tendency to claim that Hong Kong is a bilateral matter pre-1997 and a purely internal matter for them post-1997. One recent instance was a statement made by an MFA spokesman at the weekly news briefing on 12 November in response to Gareth Evans comments in support of the Governor's proposals.

2.

We do not think that it will do much good to make a big issue of this now. But we think it will be worth reminding the Chinese at a suitable opportunity that on the basis of the Joint Declaration our interest in Hong Kong will also continue for 50 years.

3. We have therefore drafted a speaking note to be deployed with Ambassador Ma when an opportunity presents itself. enclose a copy. You are welcome to use this when you judge

there is a need to rebut Chinese claims of this nature about the post-1997 status of Hong Kong.

Peter Ricketts

Jest wishes!

Hong Kong Department

zo Peler

cc: William Ehrman Esq, Political Adviser, Hong Kong

Alan Paul Esq, UKRep JLG Hong Kong

coxletter.MARSHALL

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