a whole.
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4. HMG are fully aware that many people in Hong Kong are deeply
concerned about the future. This is entirely understandable,
particularly as it has been necessary for us to retain
confidentiality over the content of the talks in Peking.
Uncertainty is dangerous to confidence.
With this in mind my Right
Honourable and learned friend made his statement on 20 April which, while preserving confidentiality, outlined HMG's aims in the talks.
He emphasised then, and I think it is worth repeating again, that we are aiming to ensure the maximum possible continuity in Hong Kong in 1997. We are seeking continuity of systems, continuity of people's
way of life, continuity in the public service and in the terms and conditions enjoyed by civil servants.
5. Several Hon Members have referred to the presence in London of
a delegation of Unofficial members of the Executive and Legislative
Councils of Hong Kong. The Government greatly value the contribution which the Unofficials make, in their various ways, to
the administration of Hong Kong and to the life of its community.
We fully understand their wish to express their understanding of
Hong Kong opinion It is natural that the Hong Kong people should
have certain anxieties, which we are doing our best to alleviate in consultation with them and through the negotiations.
6. But I should like the House to be clear that the visit of the
Unofficials to London, and the issuing of their manifesto, were
actions undertaken entirely at their own initiative. Neither was the
result of prompting by HMG or the Hong Kong Government or of
consultation with them. The text of the manifesto was shown to us
as a courtesy, very shortly before publication.
7. [If necessary]. There is no question of a split with the
Unofficials. Collaboration with the Unofficials, including the EXCO
Unofficials who are the Governor's confidential advisers, remains
close. They are an important source of advice.
8. The question has also been raised of whether the essentials of
the Basic Law that the Chinese have said they will enact for Hong
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