1
2
exercise the autonomy we have been promised. Unless we get our own act together, there is little chance of
3 a successful transition and a secure future for Hong
ལ་
4
Kong.
5
6
7
has no precedent
3
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
Nil 16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
2 2 2 2 2 2 28
24
25
26
27
29
^
What is taking place in Hong Kong
decade to be spent preparing a
dynamic, highly successful, open and articulate society for a transfer of sovereignty from a nation with a long-established tradition of liberal and democratic
values to a modern socialist state. It is only natural that people do sometimes question how this unique and
historic experiment will work. And it is inevitable
that, after the initial euphoria in 1984, confidence
in the Joint Declaration and in our future should be
tempered by realism and caution as time passes. [Bu
1/12
But
in that there are lessons for us all. Both the British
and Chinese Governments need to be more sensitive to
the anxieties and aspirations of the people of Hong Kong. China's well-publicised attitude to direct
elections in 1988 and recent statements about the right
of this Council to debate the draft Basic Laws have not helped. Equally, the British Government's treatment
of such issues as Vietnamese refugees and tough bargaining
over defence costs have called into question their
understanding of Hong Kong's special concerns.
But, above all, we the people of
Hong Kong need to become a much more united community. 30 Only then will we carry conviction when we stand up
for the rights and way of life that have been pledged
to us by the Joint Declaration. For each of us to
.31
32
*33
34
35
NN 36
go on in pursuit of ideal solutions would be self-defeating, unless when all have had their say, we are prepared to go along with the outcome endorsed by the majority. Let us not forget, without the Joint Declaration, we