TNAG-1411-FCO40-1887-Future-of-Hong-Kong--Hong-Kong-a-Change-of-Destiny---despatc-1985 — Page 17

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although still

ce the conclusion of the agreement

the Chinese,

sensitive about the role of Hong Kong,

have shown an

encouraging tendency to

accommodate Hong

Kong opinion.

The

presence of 150 Hong Kong people

as she

standing alongside myself and the Prime Minister

reviewed the Guard of Honour in Tien An Men Square at the

signing ceremony in December 1984 was I hope a token of

Since then the Chinese have agreed to

things to come.

the inclusion of Hong Kong

Drafting Committee and to the

Consultative Committee

much in our

people in the Basic Law

formation of a Basic Law

in Hong Kong. I see it as very

encourage Hong Kong people to

to make their views known to

interest to

stand up in

this

way

and

and at the

s ame time to encourage the

the Chinese,

Chinese to be responsive to those views. Perhaps in this

encourage the growth of real trust between the

way we

can

two sides.

I agree that Our task in administering Hong Kong for

the next twelve years will not be easy. On the one hand

we must achieve relationship of cooperation with

a

Chinese.

interests

the

On the other we must not allow Hong Kong's

to be ignored ог misinterpreted. Patience,

calm and skill will be needed in London and Hong Kong:

no doubt also in Peking.

but it is still fragile.

The Ming vase remains intact,

CONFIDENTIAL