TNAG-2494-FCO40-3626-Future-of-Hong-Kong-constitutional-development-Chinese-reac-1992 — Page 204

bilat.min

SPEAKING NOTE

faxed

RESTRICTED

ли сомсал

We have noted recent comments by Chinese Foreign Ministry

1 July spokesmen that the Hong Kong question before

1997

is a bilateral issue between our two Governments and after that date will be purely China's internal affair.

The Joint Declaration lays down basic policies concerning Hong Kong. It guarantees they will remain unchanged for 50 years from the resumption of the exercise of sovereignty over Hong Kong by the PRC with effect from 1 July 1997. As a party to the Joint Declaration, a treaty between our two Governments, the Government of the United Kingdom has a legitimate interest under international law in ensuring that these guarantees are

Furthermore the Joint Declaration lays down that the Sino-British Joint Liaison Group will continue to meet

until 30 June 2000.

implemented.

We are concerned that the statements of the Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman and others may be interpreted as implying that the United Kingdom does not have a locus to raise matters relating to the implementation of the Joint Declaration with the Chinese Government after 1 July 1997. I trust that the Ambassador will be able to assure me that

this is not the case.

RESTRICTED

2