cvercome the problem of retaining key personnel. I hope that British companies will take full advantage of the opportunities it offers.
We intend to introduce the necessary legislation at the earliest opportunity. We shall also continue our efforts to maintain confidence in Hong Kong, through the implementation of the provisions of the Joint Declaration, by administering Hong Kong to the best of our ability in the remaining years of British rule.
As the statement makes clear, Hong Kong is a British responsibility and one which we shall not shirk. However Hong Kong is also an international centre, with huge international invesment. We have already made it clear to other governments, both bilaterally and in international fora, that Hong Kong's major trading partners have a strong interest in the territory's continuing stability and prosperity. We shall continue our efforts to mobilise the international community to follow our lead in supporting Hong Kong in whatever ways they can, including the introduction of assurances schemes similar to our own.
C D Powell