RECE
Mat's all...
p.3. Rels w. Pal
צי
©
14 1
1992
DES
PRIME MINISTER'S QUESTION TIME: 12 JANUARY
HONG KONG
Line to Take
- Fully support Mr Patten and his proposals for
constitutional development. They represent the best way forward for Hong Kong. They do not contravene either the Joint Declaration or the Basic Law.
- We remain ready to discuss the Governor's proposals and to consider any alternatives which would also provide fair and open elections acceptable to the people of Hong Kong.
- It will be for the Legislative Council in Hong Kong to take a decision. Governor will be putting his proposals to them next month.
- Smooth transition very much in Hong Kong's
interests and China's.
We
shall continue to work for this.
Chinese threats to set up some kind of shadow
administration and start
making unilateral preparations for 1997
Senior Chinese officials have recently confirmed publicly that China has no intention of breaching the Joint Declaration or setting up a 'shadow' government for Hong Kong.
They also accepted that Britain is responsible for Hong Kong's administration up to 1997.
Contracts and Franchises
- Under the Joint Declaration and the Basic Law contracts and franchises signed by the Hong Kong Government will continue to be valid after 1997.
No problem in the past when Hong Kong authorities have discussed such contracts with the Chinese. A senior Chinese official confirmed recently that China would continue to take a positive attitude.
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