TNAG-2912-FCO40-4187-International-support-from-Asia-regarding-the-future-of-Hong-1993 — Page 65

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معلم

REGELN 221/2

2 3 AUG 1993

DESK SEINS

MR GOODLAD'S MEETING WITH THE INDIAN FOREIGN MINISTER: 24 AUGUST

HONG KONG

Points to Make

Talks with China on Hong Kong

- We remain committed to good cooperation with China on the

basis of the Joint Declaration. Aim remains a smooth transition

in 1997. There has been no change in our policy on this.

- We are presently engaged in talks with the Chinese on

electoral arrangements for the 1994/95 elections in Hong Kong. Our aim in these talks is to reach an understanding with China

on arrangements that are fair, open and acceptable to the people

of Hong Kong.

- If that proves possible, we and the Governor will recommend

the outcome to the Legislative Council. It will be for them to pass the necessary legislation.

But there

- We want to give the talks every chance to succeed.

is not infinite time. Legislation has to be in place in time

for District Board elections in 1994.

Ethnic Minorities (Defensive)

The Joint Declaration and Article 24(6) of the Basic Law guarantee the ethnic minorities, which includes the Indian

Community, right of abode in Hong Kong if they do not have it

elsewhere.

- No-one from this community will become stateless.

all retain a form of British Nationality after 1997.

will their children or grandchildren be stateless.

They will

Neither

ind.min.NAT

SLM

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