Second, in the Joint Liaison Group, it is clear that all
concerned are working hard and in good faith. The atmosphere is friendly, the approach pragmatic and constructive.
Third, I have of course listened carefully to Hong Kong impressions of progress so far made in the drafting of China's Basic Law. This is something which Britain is closely
following.
It is very encouraging that the Chinese Government
is tackling this vital task in a thorough and methodical way,
making a real effort to gather the views of the Hong Kong
people.
All are agreed that
Britain and the
Fourth, we have obviously talked a good deal today about next
year's review of representative government.
it must be comprehensive, fair and genuine. Hong Kong Government will take full account of the views of the Hong Kong people as we consider the way ahead.
Fifth and finally, I was able to tell EXCO and LEGCO members
that the British Government's diplomatic initiative to secure
international acceptance of the British National (Overseas)
Passports is well under way. It is too early to assess the
definitive response, but a number of countries have already
reacted positively.
To sum up.
The key to the future of Hong Kong is confidence:
confidence in the preservation of its way of life, its rights
and freedoms, its prosperity and stability; a confidence shared by the Hong Kong people and the wider international community. My discussions this year with Foreign Minister Wu
show that this continues to be well understood by the Chinese Government who approach the matter with the vision and
realism that made the Joint Declaration possible.
I look forward to discussing these matters this week in Peking.
It will be especially valuable that I shall be able to bring
a first-hand account of Hong Kong's concerns and
with me
aspirations.