VERMENT HOUSE HONG KONG.
TUE 30 NOV 95 12:12
PG.09
SECRET
7
to be able to
That would be in
all our best interests China's, Britain's and Hong Kong's
would naturally prefer Kong's transition, we proceed on the basis of agreement with China.
We
In certain cases it may simply not be possible to do so, when genuine differences exist between the two sides. then have a clear duty to fulfil our responsibilities under the Joint Declaration and to proceed in the way that we believe to be responsible, right and in the best interests of the people of
Hong Kong.
The transfer of sovereignty was always going to be a difficult enterprise. There were bound to be disagreements along
the way.
But that is all the more reason why Britain and China
should do all they
and can to maintain their goodwill cooperation, even where differences remain on individual, albeit important issues. If we disagree on some things, that is no reason to disagree on everything.
The next 3 years will continue to require a good deal are going to of maturity and good sense from both sides if we make a success of this enterprise. Those are qualities which I as both hope all parties will display in the coming months Britain and
China seek to turn into reality
commitments made commitments made in the Joint Declaration,
I
sure am
solemnly to the people of Hong Kong.
SECRET