shipping, civil aviation and external relations.
A White Paper
has been published in the UK and Hong Kong setting out the details of the agreement and giving a clear idea of the extent of this autonomy. I expect to receive copies within the next few days and will ask my staff to send these on to you.
The British Government have consistently stated that an agreement on the future of Hong Kong must be acceptable to the people of Hong Kong as well as to the British Parliament. The people of Hong Kong will now have an opportunity to express their views; an assessment office has been set up in Hong Kong to analyse opinion on the agreement. Two independent monitors have also been appointed to observe the work of the assessment office and to report on whether they are satisfied that it has properly, accurately and impartially discharged its duties. In the light of these reports, the British Government will decide what recommendation to make to Parliament.
I hope, as I have said, that you may feel able to inform your colleagues in the Business Council of what I have written above. You will no doubt agree that the conclusion of a satisfactory agreement will be of great importance to Australia. Should you, or they, require any further information, I hope you will contact this High Commission.
As it happens, this is the last letter which I shall write as High Commissioner. It gives me great pleasure that it is written to you, and contains such positive news.
bcc: Consuls-General:
Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth
Hong Kong Department FCO
John Mason
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