ARPAIZ
CONFIDENTIAL
VISIT OF THE SECRETARY OF STATE TO HONG KONG: 29-31 MAY 1988
BRIEF NO 4: MEETING WITH THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL (EXCO): 31 MAY 1988
(a) OPENING STATEMENT
1.
I am very pleased that we have this opportunity to meet
today. This part of my programme is one to which I attach particular importance. It enables me to reaffirm to you in person
the commitment of the British Government to Hong Kong and its
future. It is enormously valuable and instructive for me to hear
your views on some of the major issues facing Hong Kong.
2.
Although this is my first substantive visit to Hong Kong since
1984, the territory and its people have never ceased to be a central
preoccupation for myself and my colleagues. I have followed
developments here with the closest personal attention. I know that
the Prime Minister, as signatory of the Joint Declaration, feels a
deep sense of personal responsibility to ensure that it is fully and
faithfully implemented, so as to secure a stable and prosperous future for Hong Kong.
3.
The task of implementing the Joint Declaration is now well
under way.
Progress has been steady. We have a number of solid
achievements to our credit. Our co-operation with the Chinese in the Joint Liaison Group has, on the whole, been good. There have been difficulties, in particular over the review of representative
government, but on less highly-charged subjects, they have been ready to listen and to adapt their thinking. In recent months they
have shown an encouraging concern to sustain confidence among Hong
Kong people.
4. As 1997 approaches, our task will become increasingly complex
and sensitive. For our part, we will ensure that we can devote the
necessary resources to it as the work in the JLG intensifies. When
it takes Hong Kong as its principal base in July, we shall be
opening our own JLG Office here. This will enable us to work even
more closely with the Governor and his team of experienced and dedicated officials. I am quite sure that we shall be relying even
CONFIDENTIAL