CONFIDENTIAL
15. At the outset of the negotiations we and the Chinese
Government set ourselves a common aim
stability and prosperity of Hong Kong.
·
to maintain the
It is worth reminding
mean for the
ourselves of what these often repeated words me an daily lives of ordinary men and women. For Hong Kong stability means the assurance that people may go about their daily lives in security and freedom; that their administration will behave responsibly and will provide the essential social and public services; and that they may both seek and find redress for any wrong, whether perpetrated by another individual or by the Government. For Hong Kong prosperity means the right to work and to enjoy the fruits of one's labours; to own and dispose of property: and to
continue to benefit from policies designed to foster
enterprise and economic growth. All this we have set out to
preserve.· I believe that this agreement offers the firm
prospect of success.
16.
One task has been completed with the signing of the
joint declaration. But this is not the end. We remain
totally committed to other tasks which lie ahead, and to the
well-being of Hong Kong. I have no doubt that you, and all
the Hong Kong people, will have confidence to shoulder your responsibilities. Together we shall continue the task of building a stable and prosperous future for Hong Kong.
CONFIDENTIAL
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