1988-01-25 18:41 COMMS. OFFICE (GOV'T HSE)
852 5 845 0995
P.09
The need for continuity has been in the forefront
period.
Continuity means
that
of our minds since the signing of the Joint Declaration
three years ago. It is our guiding
our guiding principle for the
transition
the
administration of Hong Kong should be carried out in essentially the same way as it has been in the past.
It does not mean that there should be no change, indeed change in the structure of the Legislature is written into the Joint Declaration itself. But it does mean continuity
of the essentials of our way of life and of the way in which we conduct our own affairs,
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The Joint Declaration provides for Hong Kong to continue to be autonomous in all the areas where it is now autonomous, In some important areas, Indeed, the degree of autonomy is to be even greater than it was in the past. It would be perverse if, in the period between 1984 and 1997
we
e were to compromise that autonomy. The Joint Declaration does not mean that we now consult the Chinese on matters of administration where previously Hong Kong was autonomous, It does not mean
mean that Chinese interests
interests are n important than Hong Kong interests in the determination of policy.
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