TNAG-1326-FCO40-1738-Future-of-Hong-Kong-Parliamentary-debates-1984 — Page 12

MEMORANDUM PREPARED BY LORD KADOORIE AS THE BASIS OF A

POSSIBLE SPEECH IN THE HOUSE of lorDS ON THE SUBJECT OF

HONG KONG'S FUTURE

(NOVEMBER 29, 1984)

1)

So much has been written and said since the publication of

the 'White Paper' that there is little room left for constructive comment.

Negotiators on both sides are to be congratulated on having achieved

agreement on terms better than expected. A gradual transfer of authority, a willingness to learn as we proceed, a triumph for common-sense based on mutual interest, all example which migha wen be followed to advantage elsewhere.

2)

In an uncertain and nervous world there are few places indeed where sovereignty over some six million people could be handed over peacefully without parade or protest. No doubt a great relief to the United Kingdom but an event of deep significance to those directly affected.

3)

The draft Sino-British Agreement spells out that Hong Kong- China after 1997 will, for 50 years, continue to be a capitalist enclave inside the People's Republic of China. By the year 2047, of course, the absorption of Hong Kong-China into China proper will be complete. Such is the blue print for Hong Kong's future.

4)

Deng Xiaoping's concept of 'One country, Two systems' is perhaps the outstanding and far-reaching element in the Agreement between China and the United Kingdom. The Chinese have described it as 'bold and original' and the British as 'imaginative'.

5)

However, it is as well to remember that Hong Kong's prosperity has not been built up on the divisive element of Western Democracy but rather under cohesive leadership and a willingness to learn and to profit from what has been learned. This policy must continue and changes must be gradual to allow time before the students of today can properly assume the responsibilities of tomorrow.

6)

At this historic moment it is essential that there should be a proper understanding of the basic principles necessary to the future prosperity of this area. The Agreement makes it clear that China's assurances shall be contained in the basic law of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region to L. promulgated by China's National People's Congress, which basic law will remain unchanged until 2047.

(2)