CONFIDEN TIAL
of change in the structure
of
government in Hong Kong during this time designed to meet the rapidly changing needs of a society which has undergone in 40 years the kind of development which took most
other societies well over a century to achieve.
6.
We are
committed to ensure smooth transfer of government in 1997.
In the Joint Liaison Group the Chinese side expressed 8 one
concern on recent developments. Would like to make four things
clear.
a)
The first is that the United Kingdom is not abdicating and will not abdicate its responsibility for Hong Kong.
b)
The second
that HMG and the Hong Kong Government remain
is
fully committed to maintaining both the prosperity
stability of Hong Kong.
c)
The third
is that a s
Xueqian in London in
the Secretary of State assured Mr
June we have been proceeding
cautiously and carefully in deciding the modifications which
have made over
the last 18 months.
we
d)
7.
The British side recognisees the
convergence of ideas about reform to
importance
of achievin
governmen t structure for
Hong Kong before 1997 and ideas of government s trucutre of the
SAR post-1997.
We are accordingly very pleased that
that it has been agreed the
there should be informal dialogue between the two sides which believe will be valuable in dispelling any misunderstanding on the points.
8.
determination
We trust that Mr Ji's visit will convince him
to keep Hong Kong prosperous and stable. Our
finances are sound, far sounder than those of most other county
We are continuing to build up the infrastructure of Hong Kong
a manufacturing centres,
a 8
communications centre. Hong Kong
its growth
a 8 a major
better
road
promote
centre, and
in 1997 an
even
system, including
second
CONFIDENTIAL