די
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are engaged with the Chinese Government in the task of exploring, years in advance, what arrangements might
be made to maintain the stability and prosperity of the territory through a transition to the status of a
Special Administrative Region of China, enjoying a high degree of autonomy under Chinese sovereignty.
If we
can succeed we shall have achieved much. We shall have built a bridge of mutual confidence, spanning two
nations and three societies.
4.
I can understand the real concern in Hong Kong about the idea that two systems, the socialism of the
People's Republic of China and the free market system of Hong Kong, might co-exist under a single
sovereignty. It is a unique and imaginative concept that the Chinese Governemnt has evolved, fully in tune
with its current very practical and innovative approach to problems of its own economic organisation.
عید
I am
in no doubt of the commitment of the Chinese Government to realise the concept of two systems within the
one nation. For our part, we are negotiating in good faith, on the basis of our very good relations with
the Chinese government, to explore and elaborate the concept in ways which might be acceptable to both
governments as well as to the people of Hong Kong.
5.
I know that a number of Hon members have met the delegation of Unofficial members of Hong Kong's
Executive and Legislative Councils which is at present in London to express their understanding of the wishes
and concerns of the people of Hong Kong. I had a long discussion with them myself yesterday evening. I
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