-7-
!
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I should also like to pay warm tribute to the
exemplary manner in which the Hong Kong Public Service
continued to perform its duties, and to the patience and
forebearance of the people of Hong Kong as a whole. It
cannot have been easy to live with the knowledge that the
whole future of the Territory and its people was being
discussed, as it had to be, in conditions of confidentiality.
We felt deeply the responsibilities of the trust that they
placed in us.
One task has been completed with the signing of the
Joint Declaration, but this is not the end. The Agreement
on its own cannot ensure a successful future for Hong Kong.
So much lies, as it has always done, in your own hands. You,
the Hong Kong people, have earned the respect of the entire
world for the astonishing success story which you have written.
You contributed resilience, imagination and sheer hard work.
Above all, you have shown the courage to adapt to changing
circumstances.
We have over 12 years to prepare together for the
changes which lie ahead, I believe you will rise to the
challenge and that the spirit, the enterprise, and the
prosperity of Hong Kong will flourish and will endure.