11
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THE MOST IMMEDIATE TASK WILL BE THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE JOINT LIAISON GROUP PROVIDED FOR IN THE AGREEMENT. WE ARE NOW ACTIVELY WORKING ON THIS: THE GOVERNOR OF HONG KONG IS IN LONDON THIS WEEK, AND MY DISCUSSIONS WITH HIM WILL INCLUDE THIS IMPORTANT SUBJECT. WE SHALL ALSO THEREAFTER NEED TO DISCUSS PRACTICALITIES FURTHER WITH THE CHINESE GOVERNMENT. I SHALL INFORM THE HOUSE IN DUE COURSE OF PROGRESS ON THIS ISSUE.
WE HAVE NEGOTIATED A SATISFACTORY AGREEMENT FOR THE FUTURE OF TONG KONG. WE HAVE HAD AMPLE DEMONSTRATION THAT IT IS ACCEPTABLE TO THIS HOUSE AND TO THE PEOPLE WHO LIVE THERE. WE NOW NEED TO MOVE RAPIDLY TO RATIFY AND IMPLEMENT THE AGREEMENT SO THAT THE RENEWED CONFIDENCE THAT HAS BEEN ESTABLISHED IN THE TERRITORY WITH THE PUBLICATION OF THE AGREEMENT AND ITS SIGNATURE CAN BE SECURED AND STRENGTHENED.
AS I HAVE EXPLAINED TO THE HOUSE, PARAGRAPH 8 OF THE JOINT DECLARATION PROVIDES THAT INSTRUMENTS OF RATIFICATION SHALL BE EXCHANGED BEFORE 30 JUNE 1985. IT IS VERY MUCH IN THE INTERESTS OF THE UNITED KINGDOM AND OF HONG KONG THAT WE SHOULD MAKE AS RAPID PROGRESS AS POSSIBLE WITH THIS BILL TO ENABLE US TO MEET THAT DATE.
THE BILL IS SHORT AND STRAIGHTFORWARD. TO THE HOUSE.
I STRONGLY COMMEND IT