TNAG-2732-FCO40-3938-Future-of-Hong-Kong-constitutional-development-1993 — Page 56

SECRET

DRAFT

OPENING STATEMENT

1. We are glad to be holding talks with the Chinese side on the electoral arrangements for 1994/95 in Hong Kong, on the basis of the joint announcement issued by our two Governments on 13 April.

2.

I wish to emphasise at the outset that the British Government remains fully committed to the Joint Declaration. In that document, our Governments agreed that in the second half of the transition period, there will be a need for closer cooperation, which will therefore be intensified during that period.

3.

Cooperation between Britain and China is essential if we are to achieve full implementation of the Joint Declaration, and thereby safeguard the stability and prosperity of Hong Kong. My Government wishes to see a smooth transition, and a successful future for Hong Kong under Chinese sovereignty after 1 July 1997. This is an important interest we share with the

Chinese side.

4.

There is a formidable agenda of practical work we need to accomplish by 1997 to make this smooth transition a reality. We are disappointed there has been no progress in the Joint Liaison Group either at the meeting last December or since then. We wish to see an early, well-prepared, meeting of the

Group.

SECRET

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