interests at heart.
CONFIDENTIAL
14.
-
At the outset of the negotiations we and the Chinese
Government set ourselves a common aim to maintain the stability
and prosperity of Hong Kong. It is worth reminding ourselves of
what these often repeated words mean for the daily lives of ordinary
men and women. For Hong Kong stability means the assurance that
people may go about their daily lives in security and freedom; that
their administration will behave responsibly and will provide the
essential social and public services; and that they may both seek
and find redress for any wrong, whether perpetrated by another
individual or by the Government. For Hong Kong prosperity means the
right to work and to enjoy the fruits of one's labours; to own and
dispose of property: and to continue to benefit from policies
designed to foster enterprise and economic growth. All these
fundamental aspects of Hong Kong life are provided for in detail in
the agreement.
15.
agreement.
A major task has been accomplished with the signing of the
But this is not the end of the road. We remain utterly
our future) committed to the tasks which lie ahead, and to the well-being of Hong Kong. I have no doubt that you, and all the Hong Kong people, will have confidence to shoulder your responsibilities and grasp the
opportunities which lie ahead. Together we shall continue the task
of building a stable and prosperous future for Hong Kong.
CONFIDENTIAL