TNAG-2494-FCO40-3626-Future-of-Hong-Kong-constitutional-development-Chinese-reac-1992 — Page 22

bilat.min

SPEAKING NOTE

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We have noted recent comments by Chinese Foreign Ministry

spokesmen that the Hong Kong question before 1 July

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

implemented. Furthermore the Joint Declaration lays down that

the Sino-British Joint Liaison Group will continue to meet

until 30 June 2000.

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.

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