XN000022-1984-09-26 — Page 26

17

6

it removes

the

The story of, In doing So

an obstacle. forty

has years

been over

one of past Hong Kong

an success and increasing economic

improving standard of life. Those who have been born here or have come from other places have won the admiration of the outside world for their their skills and vitality, their capacity for hard work,

1997 for adaptability. But the uncertainty about talent

Now Hong Kong became a deterrent to confidence and progress. can move ahead once more.

their

18

For its part, your Government is determined to play its part in continuing to provide the people of Hong Kong with the foundations on which they can build their future with confidence. It will discharge its duty of governing Hong Kong in the interests of the community, and in meeting the need for housing, schools, hospitals and public services will be of all kinds,

in Hong Kong 80 that everyone encouraged to have faith in the future because they know and I shall can see that the Government itself has that faith. explain in more detail the Government's plans for the coming year in my annual address to this Council on 4 October.

19

and

The text of the agreement is being published today It has been simultaneously in London, Peking and Hong Kong. included,

explanatory with an introductory memorandum

The notes, in a White Paper for presentation to Parliament.

It is now for the White Paper is also being published here. people of Hong Kong to consider and discuss the agreement. This Council has already resolved to debate the matter. arrangements for testing public reaction and for monitoring The views which that process have already been announced.

conscientiously

are

the

on expressed

agreement recorded and impartially assessed.

20

be will

to come

The

Kong to read forward with

these their

I Dow urge everyone in Hong Kong documents most carefully and views. It is vital that the British Parliament should have the fullest possible account of the views of Hong Kong people when the time comes for Parliament to consider the matter and to decide whether the British Government should be authorised to sign an agreement on which the future well-being of Hong Kong's more than five million people will depend.

21

Before concluding I should like to pay a tribute to the Members of both the Executive and Legislative Councils. sincere and Members of both Councils have been resolute, selfless in reflecting the views of the people of Hong Kong. No community could have been better served by its Councillors.

17