Prosperity of Hong Kong 'guaranteed’

Press, 6 July 1983, Page 1

Prosperity of Hong Kong 'guaranteed’

NZPA-Reuter London The British Government has moved to dispel any worries Hong Kong’s 5.2 million people may have that Britain may sell out to China in resumed talks on the colony’s future. Secrecy surrounds consultations in London on Britain’s negotiating position for the talks in Peking on July 12, but the Foreign Office has reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to Hong Kong. Most of the colony is governed by Britain under a 99-year lease, which will expire in 1997. Peking has said it will guarantee the continued prosperity of the colony when it regains sovereignty. The Foreign Office statement also promised to seek “arrangements which would be acceptable to Parliament, to China, and the people of Hong Kong.” It was issued after the Governor of Hong Kong, Sir Edward Youde, a former British ambassador in Peking, saw the Prime Min-

ister, Mrs Thatcher, and the Foreign Secretary, Sir Geoffrey Howe.

Sir Edward was accompanied by his private secretary and nine business members of the Hong Kong Executive Council. Today they are due to meet Richard Luce, Foreign Office Minister with responsibility for Hong Kong.

For the first time the Chinese-speaking governor will join the next round of the Peking talks.

This has led to press speculation that China may have changed its position that the colony’s future is a question for Britain and China to decide, with Hong Kong having no independent say.

The British negotiating team will continue to be led by the Ambassador to Peking, Sir Percy Cradock. A British Embassy spokesman said last week that no officials were expected to come from London.