- 9
-
that there is maximum continuity of administration before
and after 1997. This is clearly envisaged in the Joint
Declaration. It is thus not only entirely reasonable but
also quite essential that there should be close contact and
the exchanges of views between the two sides, through formal and
informal channels.
cap.
We should not be fearful of these developments.
Over the past decades, Hong Kong's relationship with China
has developed steadily in a practical and pragmatic way.
The reality of our situation is that а sound working
relationship with our neightbour has always been essential
to Hong Kong's stability and progress. But this is not to
suggest that this fact dominates our thinking or the way in
which we govern Hong Kong. It is a clear duty to ensure
that the interests of Hong Kong people are paramount and
remain so.
Sir, many members spoke on the general question of
the relationship between the Government and the people and I
would like to add some thoughts of my own. Very often this
relationship is depicted as one of conflict, with the
Government standing on one side and the population, or the
this majority of them, standing on the other. But can it really
be so? Can any government which consistently acts against
the wishes of the people really survive, particularly in a
ناسب گهر