TNAG-1478-FCO40-2010-Visit-by-Sir-Geoffrey-Howe--Secretary-of-State-for-Foreign-a-1986 — Page 41

STATEMENT BY THE FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH SECRETARY,

SIR GEOFFREY HOWE QC MP, AT A PRESS CONFERENCE IN HONG kong,

12 OCTOBER 1986

It is always a pleasure to be in Hong Kong. As you know, I am

on my way to China to accompany Her Majesty The Queen on her

State Visit. Though time is therefore unavoidably short, I was

determined to take this opportunity to visit you.

Determined, because as we move forward to implement the Joint

Declaration, there simply cannot be too much contact and consultation between Britain and Hong Kong. That is why I have

put this brief visit to the best possible practical use.

I have been able to continue the useful discussions that I and

other British Ministers had with the Governor and members of

EXCO in London last month. I have also met LEGCO members and

senior Hong Kong officials.

Those contacts have reminded me yet again of the extraordinary

dynamism and buoyancy of the Hong Kong people. I, for my part,

have been able to reaffirm that Britain's first concern remains

the future well-being of Hong Kong and all its people.

It

It was that concern which illuminated my path in the many hours

of negotiation with the Chinese Government in 1983 and 1984.

is that concern which is today the pivot of British policy

towards Hong Kong.

You will be able to question me on some of the detail, particularly on progress towards implementing the Joint. Declaration. But allow me to make five points:

First, in my talks today, the general conclusion has been that

the implementation of the Joint Declaration is going well. I

particularly welcome agreements reached in recent months on

Hong Kong's participation in the GATT, on travel documentation for Hong Kong people, and on air services between Hong Kong and

third countries.