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The success of such an agrement can never, as I have
said, be absolutely guaranteed. Nor do I believe
that it would be realistic to try to impose an external
regulator on the freedom of the two sovereign states
concerned. But history shows that international
obligations are most likely to be observed when they
coincide with the common interests of both parties.
That is certainly the case over Hong Kong. Equally,
these obligations are most likely to be observed when
those two parties already enjoy good relations with
each other.
This was emphasised during my talks in
Peking by the number of subjects, apart from Hong Kong,
on which the British and Chinese Governments share very
similar views.
At the conclusion of the negotiations over Hong
Kong, if we are able to bring them to a successful
conclusion, the international prestige of both countries
would be at stake.
The Chinese Government, like our own, attaches
the highest importance to their country's intermational
Moreover, we should share a clear common
interest that Hong Kong should continue to flourish.
reputation.
This would be an important additional incentive to
maintain the agreement.