11.
BUT AS THE GOVERNOR POINTED OUT ON HIS VISIT TO
LONDON LAST WEEK, THE PROCESS OF CRYSTALLISING VIEWS IN
HONG KONG IS STILL FAR FROM COMPLETE.
WE SHOULD NOT
RUSH TO JUDGEMENT WHILE THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG
THEMSELVES ARE STILL DIGESTING THE ISSUES INVOLVED.
OUR AIM IS TO ESTABLISH A POLITICAL SYSTEM IN HONG KONG
THAT WE CAN BE CONFIDENT WILL WORK IN THE RUN UP TO
1997 AND WELL BEYOND. SETTING UP A SYSTEM THAT DOES
NOT WORK AND CANNOT LAST WOULD BE AN ABUSE OF OUR
RESPONSIBILITY.
IT WOULD BE A TRAGIC WASTE OF THE
OPPORTUNITY WE HAVE BEEN OFFERED.
BASIC LAW
12. TO TALK OF CONTINUITY IS TO UNDERLINE THE
IMPORTANCE OF THE BASIC LAW. IT IS NOT CLEAR HOW
SUSPENSION OF CONSULTATIONS ON THE BASIC LAW WILL
AFFECT THE TIMETABLE FOR PRODUCING A FINAL DRAFT. BUT
THE NEED TO GET THE LAW RIGHT IS NOW MORE IMPORTANT
THAN EVER.
7
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/13.
AFTER ALL,
THAT