P.M. to EXCO/LEGED: 20.12.84.
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We feel, as we have always felt, a deep commitment to
the people of the territory. Now that the agreement is signed,
I pledge Her Majesty's Government's earnest efforts in the
years to 1997 to ensure that Hong Kong continues to have a
stable and responsive Government, administering the territory
in accordance with the interests and wishes of its people.
During that time you will want and need movement
towards more representative Government. Hong Kong people must
be able to assume responsibility for running their own affairs
within the framework of the agreement. At the same time we
must avoid sudden and dramatic changes which might have a
disturbing effect. We need to build, but to build carefully
and securely.
Hong Kong, more than most places, looks outwards for
its livelihood. It finds ready markets in the developed
world. It is natural that traders and investors should have
watched carefully the negotiations and their outcome. They
wanted to be assured that their investments would be protected,
their sources of supply would remain reliable, and their
freedom to move funds freely in and out would remain
untrammelled.
PM's
SPEECH
20·12.84
or
21
3