ASSURANCES
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HMG are working for a binding agreement in which arrangements for Hong Kong's future would be formally recorded. The obligations enshrined in such an agreement would be recognised as such by the
international community.
But we
We can have no absolute assurance of such an agreement. believe that in this case the interests of the two parties would coincide. The international prestige of both countries would be at stake. I am sure that neither Government concerned would ignore the implications for its international reputation of a failure to observe the agreement to which it was a party. Moreover both sides would have a common interest in, and a common commitment to the maintenance of Hong Kong's stability and prosperity. This common interest would provide a very strong guarantee of observance of the
agreement.
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[DEFENSIVE]
I do not believe that it would be realistic to think in terms of an external guarantee of an agreement between the sovereign states.
Sell influor The strongest guarantee comes from the national pride nad the common interest of the parties involved.