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43. WE HAVE NEGOTIATED A SATISFACTORY AGREEMENT FOR THE FUTURE OF
HONG KONG. WE HAVE HAD AMPLE DEMONSTRATION THAT IT IS ACCEPTABLE
TO THIS HOUSE AND TO THE PEOPLE WHO LIVE THERE. WE NOW NEED TO
MOVE RAPIDLY TO RATIFY AND IMPLEMENT THE AGREEMENT SO THAT THE
RENEWED CONFIDENCE THAT HAS BEEN ESTABLISHED IN THE TERRITORY
WITH THE PUBLICATION OF THE AGREEMENT AND ITS SIGNATURE CAN BE
SECURED AND STRENGTHENED.
44. AS I HAVE EXPLAINED TO THE HOUSE, PARAGRAPH 8 OF THE JOINT DECLARATION PROVIDES THAT INSTRUMENTS OF RATIFICATION SHALL BE EXCHANGED BEFORE 30 JUNE 1985. IT IS VERY MUCH IN THE INTERESTS
OF THE UNITED KINGDOM AND OF HONG KONG THAT WE SHOULD MAKE AS
RAPID PROGRESS AS POSSIBLE WITH THIS BILL TO ENABLE US TO MEET
THAT DATE.
45. THE BILL IS SHORT AND STRAIGHTFORWARD.
TO THE HOUSE. ENDS
I STRONGLY COMMEND IT
HOWE
NNNN
DISTRIBUTION
MINIMAL
HKD
9
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