into the world of wish fulfilment. In the
situation
inherited by the negotiators, both in China and Hong Kong,
I do not think much more could have been done. The
underlying philosophy has also been vindicated. However
the play ends, the events since 1992 have demonstrated, if
further demonstration were needed, that the policy of co-
operation with China for the benefit of Hong Kong, if not
the only conceivable policy, is the only one that will
allow Britain to leave the stage with a clear conscience,
knowing that it has done its best to fulfil its
responsibilities
to the six million people in its
charge.