TNAG-1299-FCO40-1655-Visit-by-Sir-Geoffrey-Howe--Secretary-of-State-for-Foreign-a-1984 — Page 34

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which will enshrine that principle of continuity

for this unique society.

Several

We

As I said, we are still negotiating.

points of substance remain to be resolved. I cannot

anticipate the details of an eventual agreement.

are working to a programme which takes account both

of Chinese wishes and of all our own requirements.

The agreement which is reached must be such that we

can commend it to Parliament. I know very well that

people in Hong Kong will need to know the terms of

the agreement and have time to express their views.

And Parliament itself will need time to reflect and

take account of those views.

Let me then sum up. These are complex and difficult

negotiations. We are still some way from an agreement.

And there

But a good deal of progress has been made.

is a will on both sides to bring our work to fruition

in an agreement, which will ensure the stability and

prosperity of Hong Kong.

I can

assure you that, for

the British Government, this remains a prime objective.