TNAG-2711-FCO40-3917-House-of-Commons-Select-Committee-on-Foreign-Affairs-and-Par-1993 — Page 160

HONG KONG: BULL POINTS

RELATIONS WITH CHINA OVER HONG KONG

Good cooperation with China on the basis of the 1984 Sino-British Joint Declaration is in the best interests of Hong

Kong. We and the Chinese Government remain committed to the

Joint Declaration. We want to see a smooth transition to

Chinese sovereignty in 1997.

It is in the interests of China, as well as the people of Hong Kong, that Hong Kong should remain successful and

prosperous up to 1997 and beyond. We believe strong democratic institutions are a key part of safeguarding Hong Kong's way of life as promised in the Joint Declaration.

Rule of law, buttressed by a free-standing legislature,

necessary to maintain business confidence in the longer term.

The Governor's approach has the full support of the British

Government.

PEKING TALKS ON THE 1995 ELECTIONS

Talks have been taking place in a business-like atmosphere.

As Mr Hurd told the Chinese Foreign Minister in New York we are serious in working for an agreement. But not at any price. It remains an essential point for us that elections held under British administration should be fair, open and acceptable to

the people of Hong Kong.

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