TNAG-1717-FCO40-2397-Hong-Kong-1987-Review-of-Representative-Government-1988 — Page 155

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الدالة السما

1222

The need for continuity has been in the forefront

of our minds since the signing of the Joint Declaration

is our

three years ago. It is

transition period.

our guiding principle for the

Continuity means

that

the

administration of Hong Kong should be carried out in essentially the same way as it has been in the past. It does not mean that there should be no change, indeed change in the structure of the Legislature is written into the Joint Declaration itself. But it does mean continuity of the essentials of our way of life and of the way in which we conduct our own affairs

t

The Joint Declaration provides for Hong Kong to continue to be autonomous in all the areas where it is now autonomous, In some important areas, indeed, the degree of autonomy is to be even greater than it was in the past. It would be perverse if, in the period between 1984 and 1997 we were to compromise that autonomy. The Joint Declaration does not mean that we now consult the Chinese on matters of administration where previously Hong Kong was autonomous. It does not mean that Chinese interests are now more important than Hong Kong interests in the determination of policy.

Jan