Don'
think
Page 12 para 2: (The Bill betrays the Government's lack of
confidence in the Joint Declaration and reinforces uncertainty about
the future)
Suggestions that this Bill betrays the Government's lack of confidence in the Joint Declaration, or that it will reinforce
uncertainty about the future among those not selected, do not
stand up to scrutiny. Our decision to proceed with this
measure, far from implying a retreat from the Joint Declaration,
reflects our determination to do what is necessary to uphold its
provisions and to abide by our responsibilities under that
Agreement. It is a fact of life that following the events in
China last June, confidence in Hong Kong is at a low ebb.
By
giving key people in Government and private sector the assurance
they need to remain in the territory, the Bill will benefit the community has a whole and bolster confidence generally. All the indications from Hong Kong are that this is so. It is equally
clear that should the Bill not be passed the consequences for
Hong Kong would be very grave.
LOPACB