19 July 1991
His Excellency The Hon George F Gair Qso High Commissioner
Jew Zealand High Commission
New Zealand House
Haymarket LONDON
SW1Y 4TQ
I am writing to thank you for New Zealand's warm statement welcoming and supporting the understanding reached between Britain and China on Hong Kong's new airport.
We need to intensify cooperation with China over Hong Kong to bring about a smooth transition. In doing this we must be sure that the Hong Kong Government retain the ability properly to administer Hong Kong up to 1997. We believe that the agreement on the airport has given us a firm basis on which to proceed with the Chinese.
The international community attaches great importance to the success of the Joint Declaration and to the maintenance of Hong Kong's long-term prosperity and stability. Hong Kong has much to offer the world: we all have an interest in its continuing success.
Earl of Caithness
ANTAAV/CC
Page