SECRET
should like to take this opportunity to pay tribute to the very important contribution that the Unofficial
members of the two Councils make, in their different ways, to the administration and the life of Hong Kong.
In particular the Unofficial members of the Executive Council play a vital dual role. On the one hand,
they are the closest advisers of the Governor. On the other hand they have the responsibility to reflect to
him and through him to Her Majesty's Government the views and opinions of Hong Kong people. It was in that
latter, independent capacity that they associated themselves with the statement which I understand has been
sent to all members of this House. The statement was issued entirely on their own initiative, and its
terms were not the subject of any prior consultation with Her Majesty's Government. That is the meaning
of the right of free speech. But I should like the House to be clear that we fully understand their
wish to express their view of Hong Kong opinion, a wish which arises out of their sense of duty to the people
of Hong Kong. It is natural that the Hong Kong people should be anxious. It will continue to be our
یه
aim, through the present negotiations, to secure an agreement with Chinese Governemnt which will allay their
concerns and give them confidence in the future.
6. Discussions on Hong Kong's future dominated the visit to Peking and Hong Kong which I undertook in April
as part of a tour to the Far East. My visit to Peking lasted from 15 to 18 April. I held talks there with
the Chinese Foreign Minister Wu Xueqian, with State Counsellor Ji Pengfei, with Premier Zhao Ziyang and
NR3ADR
SECRET