3
to
find
а way
of
the
ensuring that obviously necessary different systems in force in Hong Kong could be maintained and that people would have confidence that this would be so.
themselves acknowledged this The Chinese leaders have
far-sighted and imaginative proposal their country, two systems" arrangement.
6
In consequence,
view in the
for
a
11
in
11one
of the British Government, any agreement between the United Kingdom and the
had to meet the People's Republic
Republic of China essential requirements:
to
following
living those
for continuity
and
of
It had to provide sufficient detail, and in
familiar language working in Hong Kong, their social, economic, financial, monetary, judicial and other systems, except for those by the transfer of changes sovereignty and the right of administration to the People's Republic of China.
required
To give confidence both in Hong Kong and to the world at large in its provisions there had also to be a binding commitment on part of both Governments to implement the provisions of the agreement.
the
all
7
The agreement published today meets squarely these Chinese the out It spells essential requirements.
aspects Government's intention to preserve in all essential
and policies which have helped Hong Kong the systems transform itself in 40 years from conditions of devastation the world's leading manufacturing, trading and one of financial centres. The key provisions enshrine an unequivocal commitment by the
the two Governments to implement the terms of
its annexes,
of which
equally the agreement and
such freely negotiated binding.
their reputation and
to
all
In
commitments,
entering sovereign
into states stake
standing in the eyes of the world.
8
are
what will be
The central concern of the community in Hong Kong, as of any other society, is to know how it is to be governed and by whom: where it will look for justice: the essential features of its society: and how it will be able to earn a living.