I
51 -
before 1997 and after.
attempt
to
Neglecting this truth, or making no
foster such a relationship, would do no service
to the people of Hong Kong.
95.
Government
dispel
and the British
The Hong Kong Government
have therefore tried over the past year to
misunderstandings and to improve our working
with Peking. My own visit to Peking in January
Mr. Maude's visit in July
relationship
was part of this process.
provided a further valuable opportunity for discussions with
senior Chinese leaders.
96.
We have tried
to
convince the Chinese Government
that actions taken over the past year about which they have
expressed doubt
package and the
for
instance, the British nationality
introduction of a draft Bill of Rights
-
have been part of a sincere effort to bolster Hong Kong so
that it will have the strength to
Administrative Region after 1997.
infrastructural
plans, such as the
prosper as a Special
Similarly our major
building of the new
airport and the expansion of the port, are part of the
long-term expansion which must
Kong Special Administrative
possible chance of success.
be started now if the Hong
Region is to be given the best
/97.
The