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concept.
Now we have to make it work.
The task will not be easy or straightforward. There are no convenient precedents, no ready made models to follow. There are bound to be problems and setbacks. But we have to make a success of this enterprise.
There is no question of the British Government just sitting back and letting the clock tick towards 1997. Of course the choices from time to time will be hard. We shall take difficult decisions when these are necessary.
The framework is the Sino British Joint Declaration on Hong Kong. I have always believed that it was the best deal that could have been secured for Hong Kong. Of course it has its critics. But to these people I say: "Can you honestly suggest any better alternative? Do you believe that if a better agreement was on offer we would not have taken it? Do you believe that no agreement would have been in the real interests of Hong Kong?"
The Joint Declaration is the best framework. It requires a continuous discussion on equal terms with the Chinese Government. It is frankly frivolous to pretend otherwise. And those who do so can have no standing as friends of Hong Kong. But it would be nonsense to pretend that the Agreement marks the end of our problems. The task now is to turn the Joint Declaration into reality. That means working on matters of meticulous technical detail. It means, I repeat, conducting a tenacious and consistent dialogue with the Chinese authorities, neither hostile nor subservient, aiming at the long view rather than the quick trick, always seeking to judge and serve the best interests of Hong Kong. We are committed to this task.
The Chinese leadership have confirmed their commitment to the Joint Declaration. I welcome that. Our relations with China are going through a difficult period but we want to rebuild those relations: it is important to Britain and it is important to Hong Kong that we should do so.
Hong Kong also needs a good relationship with China, not only because of its future as a special administrative region of China, but also because China is increasingly important as a valuable back-up to Hong Kong's own manufacturing industry, and the territory has a key role to play as an economic bridge between China and the rest of the world. The Governor's visit last week was an important one in maintaining a dialogue with Chinese leaders on matters of great importance to Hong Kong. He conducted his talks in Peking with characteristic dedication to Hong Kong's interests.
Neither the Joint Declaration, nor the work of the Joint Liaison Group, can by themselves sustain confidence in Hong Kong. That is why I announced on 20 December a package of measures designed to encourage key people in all walks of life in the community to remain in the territory. This package is the result of a great deal of work by the British Government, in consultation with the Hong Kong