TNAG-2917-FCO40-4192-International-support-from-Australasia-regarding-the-future--1993 — Page 64

CONFIDENTIAL

25

15 June 1993

Mr David Ritchie

Assistant Secretary International Division

Department of Prime Minister

and Cabinet

3-5 National Circuit

ACT

Barton

Jamind,

المشبه

British

High Commission Canberra

Commonwealth Avenue

Yarralumla

Canberra, ACT 2600

Telephone: (06) 270 6666 Facsimile: (General) - (06) 273 3236 (Commercial/Economic) - (06) 273 4360

(Chancery) - (06) 270 6653

Telex: AA 62222

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When we spoke by telephone on 11 June, I undertook to send you suggested points on Hong Kong which we believe it would be particularly helpful if Mr Keating were able to make to Chinese leaders during his forthcoming trip. These are:

Negotiations over Hong Kong's future are a matter between Britain and China. But Australia, as a major investor in, and commercial partner of, Hong Kong has a self-evident interest in Hong Kong's continuing stability and prosperity.

The "one country - two systems" approach as set out in the Joint Declaration is of great importance in sustaining international confidence in Hong Kong. Crucial that it should be fully implemented.

Australia is, therefore, glad that talks are taking place between Britain and China and hopes that they will be brought to an early and successful conclusion. A modest development of democracy would meet the clear wishes of the Hong Kong people and is good for international confidence in Hong Kong.

We also thought that your delegation, rather than the Prime Minister, might wish to prod the Chinese (perhaps in the margins of the visit) over the bilateral Hong Kong/Australia agreements still held up in the Joint Liaison Group. We believe that this would also be useful. The most obvious examples of these are the Air Services Agreement (held up for 19 months so far) and the Investment Protection and Promotion Agreement (held up for more than a year, longer than it took to negotiate).

Bale

CONFIDENTIAL