ET MON
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first JLG meeting will I hope help to dispel some of worries
the Group will
that
interfere
in
the
the
I
administration of Hong Kong, although I recognise that such worries will never fully be laid to rest. certainly hope that we will now be able to use the Group
the coming 12 years both constructively in
to educate Chinese and to make the transfer of sovereign ty as smooth
as possible.
the
5. We all here acknowledge what you say in your despatch about the role of Hong Kong Unofficials and officials in the negotiations.
The Unofficials were put in a particularly difficult position throughout, as of
Hong Kong themselves,
negotiations.
were
the
course
the
of people
by confidentiality of the
The Unofficials undoubtedly fought hard
for what they perceived as the best in teres ts of Hong Kong. Sometimes this led to a certain amount of tension with the negotiators,
but your role in handling the advice which you received ensured that there was never an outright split.
Own
There
of us on and a
the run to take in mind.
6.
remains now
lot a
of hard work ahe ad such issues as the treaties affecting Hong Kong, number of difficult decisions, such as that on down of
the garrison. Ministers will continue decision s with the best in teres ts of Hong Kong We will continue to stand up to the Chinese on behalf of Hong Kong when doubt about the difficulties ahead. I am sure there will
But Our overriding
be squalls.
remain to
this
ensure
a
is
necessary.
Νο
here one
is in any
always and smooth continue to
objective will
is transition which
both which will llow the people
to people of Hong Kong enjoy prosperity, stability and the lifestyle they are used to for 50 years after 1997.
7
In the
a
We plan of course moves to give Hong Kong greater autonomy in the coming years. We are already taking the first steps in the fields of shipping and civil aviation.
will development of representative government we need to move cautiously. In particular on such questions the role of the Chief Executive we shall have to take the Chinese with Kong public
as
us
•
The
recent opinion towards moves
representational government
on
of Hong develop
now
be
we
to hope
sensitisation
to designed has been striking. we shall all have to think
about care fully further move with these sensitivities in mind.
point out, rightly point
Westminster style democracy the model for Hong Kong. Every political institution
leave behind will have to
From
every
A s
will
you not
be
looked at
from
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