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The right to pursue prudent budgetary policies
determined by Hong Kong in accordance with Hong Kong's
own needs;
The right of companies and individuals to own and dispose of property: and the protection of these rights
in law;
Individual rights and freedoms in economic matters,
especially freedom of choice of occupation.
11. I can assure Hong Kong's partners around the world that the free and dynamic business environment which has attracted them in such large numbers for so many years will continue to flourish. Hong Kong is a going concern. It is very much in business. And it
will remain so, into the 21st Century.
12. The British Government will devote its full diplomatic resources to ensuring tht Hong Kong's position in the international community in particular in GATT and other trading arrangements, is
maintained. I am confident that the Chinese Government will do
likewise.
All
13. We could not have achieved such a good agreement without the
support and advice of many people in Hong Kong. I should like to pay tribute to the Governor for the firmness of his leadership and
the wisdom of his advice. The members of the Executive and
Legislative Councils played a crucial role throughout this difficult
period in Hong Kong's history. The advice offered by EXCO throughout the negotiating process was of the greatest value. members of UMELCO made known their own hopes and fears and those of
the people of Hong Kong as reflected to them. Your frankness, determination and sense of public duty was of great value in the
negotiations. I should also like to pay warm tribute to the patience and forebearance of the people of Hong Kong as a whole. It cannot have been easy for a community to observe its future being discussed in conditions of secrecy, however much the two Governments
involved sought to assure them that they had Hong Kong's best
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