package designed to encourage key people in all walks of life in the
community to remain.
Appreciate that many in Hong Kong would have preferred the
numbers to be larger. But we had to take account of the practical
and political constraints in Britain. Believe that the measures
that we have announced should have a significant impact on
confidence.
Not an easy decision for us to take. Legislation will be difficult and controversial. But our obligation under the Joint
Declaration to maintain stability and prosperity meant that nothing
less would do.
VIETNAMESE BOAT PEOPLE
The other tough decision I have had to take as Foreign Secretary
is mandatory repatriation. Not a decision I enjoyed taking, nor a policy which I find particularly attractive.
But never any doubt in my mind that it was right to proceed,
whatever international and domestic opinion might say.
Plain fact is that Hong Kong cannot be expected to cope indefinitely with endless stream of migrants from Vietnam. Must
find effective way of deterring the flow and of emptying the camps
as quickly as possible.
BASIC LAW
Basic Law drafting process entering crucial phase. I congratulate Hong Kong people for thorough and constructive way in which they have expressed opinions about the draft. A mature response from an increasingly mature political community. Deserves
closest attention from Basic Law draftees.
Outcome of drafting process a matter of great concern to
JONACE
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