TIMAAG
MR MAUDE'S VISIT TO HONG KONG : 17-19 SEPTEMBER 1989
BRIEF NO 9: MEETING WITH CIVIL SERVICE UNIONS
Opening Statement
As you know the main purpose of my visit is to familiarise
myself first hand with Hong Kong and to spend as much time as
possible listening to the views of a wide cross section of the
community.
Events in early June in China were both tragic and horrifying.
It is clear and understandable that they had a major impact on Hong
Kong. Confidence in the future of Hong Kong has clearly been dealt
a severe blow. I do not underestimate the depth of anxiety in Hong
Kong over the future.
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Have made clear to China our disgust at the events of early June.
But we simply cannot stop talking to China. We must continue to
talk to the Chinese about the future of Hong Kong and as you know we
have resumed contacts and the next meeting of the JLG will be held
in London at the end of this month.
CIVIL
SERVICE
No doubt that the role of the Civil Service is absolutely crucial
in taking Hong Kong forward during the transitional period and into
the next century. Maintenance of a loyal, efficient Civil Service
is essential if we are to fulfil our responsibility for
administering Hong Kong. It is also crucial for Hong Kong itself
and its future. In return, we recognise the obligations this places
on us in the British Government to look after your interests. The
professionalism and performance of the Hong Kong Civil Service have
been magnificent. But I understand the personal strains that will be affecting all of you. Local officers will be concerned about themselves and their families. Expatriate officers will also be
concerned about the implications for their future and the effect on them of the localisation programme. If you are to continue to perform well and do the job that Hong Kong and Britain even China
- need, then you must be able to concentrate on your work that means
being free, as far as possible, from fears about your future.
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