CONFIDENTIAL
8. Until 1997 Britain remains fully responsible for the administration of Hong Kong. Our commitment to Hong Kong has been clear from the start. Now that the agreement is signed, I pledge Her Majesty's Government's fullest efforts in the
years to 1997 to ensure that Hong Kong continues to have a stable and responsive Government, administering the territory in the best interests of its people. There will need, as we
all realise, to be some evolution of the structures of government in this period. Hong Kong people must be able to assume full responsibility for running their own affairs within the framework of the agreement. At the same time we' recognise the need to avoid sudden and dramatic changes which might have a destabilising effect. We need to build, but to build carefully and securely.
9. The agreement on its own cannot ensure a successful future for Hong Kong. That lies, as it always has done,
largely in your hands. You, the Hong Kong people, have earned the respect of the entire world for the astonishing
success story which you have written. You have contributed resilience, imagination and sheer hard work.
Above all you
have shown the courage to adapt to changing circumstances. 1997 is perhaps the greatest challenge you have yet faced: I believe you will meet it and emerge stronger than ever.
CONFIDENTIAL
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