TNAG-1231-FCO40-1544-Visit-by-Richard-Luce--Minister-of-State-for-Foreign-and-Com-1983 — Page 127

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a

cannot be maintained.

The leaders of China keep on ressuring

us that after 1997 Hong Kong will continue to operate under

the present capitalist system and the same legal system.

But we understand that there is no independence of the

judiciary in China. How then can we be sure that the judiciary

in Hong Kong will not be interfered with under the proposed

Without an independent judiciary, there can

administration?

be no guarantee that the people of Hong Kong will continue

to enjoy the many freedoms which form the pillars of our

society.

Whilst much emphasis has been laid by both Government

on the importance of prosperity, we believe that these freedoms

are of equal, if not, greater importance as they are cherished

by everyone, whether rich or poor.

6.

We appreciate that it takes time to agree on a solution

acceptable to China, Great Britain and the people of Hong Kong,

but time is fast running out, for if the situation were to be

allowed to continue, we doubt if there will be any stability,

let alone prosperity, left to be preserved. To achieve the

declared common aim, we believe that prolonged entanglement

between the two governments over the issue of sovereignty

will be counter-productive.

As a first step, the 1997 deadline

must be eradicated. China and Britain should discuss and agree

on

a realistic and reasonable transitional period acceptable

to both countries and the people of Hong Kong. During the

transitional period, both countries must continue to co-operate

fully with each other and take appropriate practical steps

to demonstrate their sincerety in their prusuit of the common

aim of preserving Hong Kong's stability and prosperity.