12
years and are very experienced.
I hope you will liberate your mind,
discard your worries and display the spirit of democracy by putting
forward more constructive suggestions on the treatment of the Hong Kong-
Macau issue after the expiry of the lease for consideration by the Central
Government in its formulation of policies.
Deng Xiaoping's directions are not only our guiding principles but are
also very stimulating. They have drawn favourable comments from foreign
affairs offices in Peking. Undoubtedly, the Central Government is also
studying the ways to tackle the issue after the expiry of the New Territories
Lease. That is to say it is neither giving up nor feeling anxious to
take back the leased territory. All depends on the actual situation.
}