CONFIDEN TIAL
good shape in 1997.
We are
leave Hong Kong in
We have an historical
mission to complete and we wish to do it well. Failure to do SO
would be damaging to us both politically and economically. thus prepared to put great effort in to achieving the success of your
re-unification under one country two systems.
enterprise
of
think that you should recognise our willingness to do this.
16.
We
Hong Kong can only continue to thrive if its o wn people have
confidence in the future. We have the strongest interest in their
believing that the agreement will be fully implemented in letter and
spirit, and will work. But we cannot convince them of this by
the PRC after 1997. It is
the me an time which will
in
ourselves. Hong Kong will be an SAR of
the actions of the Chinese Government
make the difference between faith in the agreement and lack of faith
in it. People cannot be forced to believe some thing: they will draw
their Own conclusions from concre te actions. Newspapers here are
already suggesting that the
the slogan "Hong Kong people rule Hong Kong"
is no longer being used. Have to say frankly we are a little
worried that progress on some key issues, eg GATT, has been SO slow.
Have feeling that China is showing herself reluctant
to go as far as agreement provides in some respects in allowing Hong Kong the degree
of autonomy it will need if it is to remain a separate and
the People's Republic. We mus t
a retreat from the
prosperous capitalist system within
avoid giving rise to any impression
spirit of the Joint Declaration.
17.
that there
country is as
is
Fully understand that on e
important to you as
two systems.
But one country is assured already: under Join t
Declaration Hong Kong will be an SAR of
the PRC after 1997. That is
already assured. We too are fully committed to it. There can be no
question of Hong Kong becoming an independent entity. One could say
that the Joint Declaration har basically achieved "one country" SO
China and Hong Kong are as
concerned: we now need to make sure
that the other part of Chairman Deng's far-sighted concept works.
Hope you will accept that this is what we are trying to do, and not
to diminish the "one country".
far
18.
you.
to
Will
be
Welcome this opportunity to speak frankly and informally
Believe that
should continue.
this
dialogue
CONFIDEN TIAL
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