TNAG-2769-FCO40-3986-Hong-Kong-and-the-media-interviews--press-briefings-and-the--1994 — Page 171

2.

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

We and the Chinese Government remain committed to the

Joint Declaration. We want to see a smooth transition to Chinese sovereignty in 1997.

Kong.

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 1994/1995 ELECTIONS

- We are working flat out for agreement in these talks.

Negotiators are now dealing with the substance of all the

issues.

If we could reach agreement now on a number of uncontroversial matters relating to all three elections in 1994 and 1995 this would enable legislative work to begin. We would then have a little more time to focus on the remaining key issues: functional constituencies, election committee and through train.

bullpts.PR.JRB