CONFIDENTIAL
DSR 11C
5.
We all here
acknowledge what you say in your
despatch about the role of Hong Kong Unofficials.
officials in the negotiations.
and
The Unofficials. were put
in a particularly difficult position
Course
were
the
people
confidentiality of the
throughout, as of
of Hong Kong
themselves,
by
the
negotiations.
The Unofficials
undoubtedly fought hard
best interests of Hong Kong. Some time s this led to a
for what they perceived as the
your
certain amount of tension with
own
role
but the negotiators,
in handling the advice which you received
ensured that there was never an outright split.
6.
There
now
remains
a
lot of hard work
ahead of
us on
and a
such issues as the treaties affecting Hong Kong,
decisions, such as that on the run
number
of difficult
down of the garrison. Ministers will continue to take
of Hong Kong in mind.
decisions with the best interests
We will continue to stand up to the Chinese on behalf of
this
is
necessary.
No
one here
is
in
any
Hong Kong when
doubt about the difficulties ahead. I am sure there will
be
squalls.
But
our overriding objective will
always
remain to
ensure
transition which a
is
both
smooth
and
which will
allow
enjoy prosperity,
stability
the people of Hong Kong to
and the
continue
to
lifestyle they are
used to for 50 years after 1997.
CONFIDENTIAL