TNAG-1377-FCO40-1825-Future-of-Hong-Kong-legislation-Hong-Kong-Bill-1985 — Page 165

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43. WE HAVE NEGOTIATED A SATISFACTORY AGREEMENT FOR THE FUTURE OF

HONG KONG. WE HAVE HAD AMPLE DEMONSTRATION THAT IT IS ACCEPTABLE

TO THIS HOUSE AND TO THE PEOPLE WHO LIVE THERE. WE NOW NEED TO

MOVE RAPIDLY TO RATIFY AND IMPLEMENT THE AGREEMENT SO THAT THE

RENEWED CONFIDENCE THAT HAS BEEN ESTABLISHED IN THE TERRITORY

WITH THE PUBLICATION OF THE AGREEMENT AND ITS SIGNATURE CAN BE

SECURED AND STRENGTHENED.

44. AS I HAVE EXPLAINED TO THE HOUSE, PARAGRAPH 8 OF THE JOINT DECLARATION PROVIDES THAT INSTRUMENTS OF RATIFICATION SHALL BE EXCHANGED BEFORE 30 JUNE 1985. IT IS VERY MUCH IN THE INTERESTS

OF THE UNITED KINGDOM AND OF HONG KONG THAT WE SHOULD MAKE AS

RAPID PROGRESS AS POSSIBLE WITH THIS BILL TO ENABLE US TO MEET

THAT DATE.

45. THE BILL IS SHORT AND STRAIGHTFORWARD.

TO THE HOUSE. ENDS

I STRONGLY COMMEND IT

HOWE

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DISTRIBUTION

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