XN000022-1996-04-20+21 — Page 9

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Where does all this leave us? As I said, with a more difficult task in giving reassurance about the future. But at least I'm pleased, no, more than pleased, delighted, that Lu Ping ended his week in Hong Kong by meeting Anson Chan. They had a good meeting, and Anson has accepted an invitation to continue their discussion in Peking very soon.

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I'll point to that meeting and that visit, when I go to North America, as two of the more hopeful signs we have seen recently two candles of hope if you like. I'll naturally speak up for the fundamental economic strength of Hong Kong. And I'll point to another fundamental strength as well.

I didn't bring democracy or the protection of human rights to Hong Kong, as some United Front activists rather curiously suggest from time to time. Those values. those ideas, have taken root and begun to flower here in Iong Kong over many years.

And nothing, repeat nothing, can stop these plants flowering, and re-seeding and flowering again in the future.

Maybe Chinese officials can turn a deaf ear for a time to the views and voices of those who represent Hong Kong's majority. But those views and voices won't fall silent.

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Maybe shamefully and without a scrap of justification this Legislative Council can be torn down in 1997 and our Bill of Rights be hamstrung. You can try to trample on institutions. But you can't just snuff out the spirit of democracy; you can't smother a growing civic consciousness in Ilong Kong. Hong Kong people treasure their freedoms - and not just their freedom to make money. That spirit of liberty will survive in Hong Kong - whatever the short term threats or dangers.

It's because I believe that passionately, that I'll be able to express my conviction about Hong Kong's future passionately, as well. I will set out our case to the world, not glossing over the problems or the mistakes, but stating, for as long as I have the breath and the energy, how this great city can continue to grow in freedom and prosperity.

Do I believe in a better Hong Kong tomorrow? Yes, because I believe in the people of Hong Kong. I wish that was true of everyone who claimed to speak in Hong Kong's name.

End