DSR 11C (Revised 5/87)
future. The Government believe that the right course is
SECURITY CLASSIFICATION to seek to secure Hong Kong's future through the
Top Secret
implementation of the Joint Declaration, not to undermine
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Secret
Confidential
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Unclassified
PRIVACY MARKING
In Confidence
it.
Conclusion
58.
If no negotiations have been held Hong Kong would
have reverted to China, in 1997 or before that date,
without any safeguards. Instead the Government concluded
a detailed, binding agreement which will preserve Hong
Kong's economic, legal and social systems, and the way of
life of its people for 50 years beyond 1997, and provide
the basis for a secure and prosperous future for the
territory. A great deal of effort is now being put into
the task of ensuring that the Joint Declaration works.
It is a difficult and painstaking task. Much still
remains to be done. But we are on course and the
Government are determined to play their full part in
ensuring the success of this unique and historic
enterprise.