XN000022-1984-09-26 — Page 23

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.