Pelling
On recent evidence you would get shorter odds on
Hong Kong lasting fifty years than on socialism doing so.
This will not be a simple track for British policy.
It would of course be
Over the next several years.
one
into
easier EO
way to change to a policy of striking attitudes. But we cannot responsibly act as if we could tow Hong Kong with the Pacific and start again regardless of China. In another way it would be easier simply to avoid all argument with China and treat Hong Kong as if her destiny was to become just another Chinese province like the others. But that is not what the Agreement says
Our responsibility is to and not what Hong Kong needs. help prepare Hong Kong and China for 'one country two systems'. It will mean much patient and often quiet persuasion, and difficult decisions in Hong Kong itself. But we have made reasonable progress in recent months, and the position is somewhat steadier than it was. combination of British Administration and Chinese capitalism remains a potent mixture, and provided we hold steady against the various buffets which will come our way it is reasonable to hope that the prospect set out in the Joint Declaration it will become reality. is the best available prospect I do not doubt.
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