TNAG-1748-FCO40-2467-Visit-by-Sir-Geoffrey-Howe--Secretary-of-State-for-Foreign-a-1988 — Page 223

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not bred a measure of contempt. The Joint Declaration offered, and continues to offer, so much:

certainty where there had been uncertainty

assurances that Hong Kong's economic system, freedoms and way of

life will continue unchanged for the best part of a life-time

detail covering every area of the territory's life

a binding international treaty, the most solemn form of agreement that two governments can conclude, registered at the United Nations.

7. It is suggested by some that the British Government, having

signed the Joint Declaration, have washed their hands of Hong Kong, Nothing could be further from the truth. Having assumed the

obligations contained in the Joint Declaration, we shall uphold

them. Our commitment to Hong Kong, its transition and its future

will last as long as the Joint Declaration itself.

i

8. I believe the Joint Declaration is standing the test of time. Around its framework the details are now painstakingly being put into place. The Joint Liaison Group' has worked steadily and success fully to facilitate a smooth transition. It will be all the

more effective when it has made its principal base in Hong Kong in the second half of this year. It is not a shadow government: it is

a means of consultation and co-operation in the interests of Hong

Kong and its people.

9.

Another area of steady progress has been in responding to the

desire of Hong Kong people to participate more closely in the territory's administration. 1985 saw a significant step in the

introduction of indirectly elected seats to the Legislative Council.

In 1991 - in accordance with the clear wish of Hong Kong's community

for steady but gradual change 10 directly elected seats will be

-

introduced. And this will permit a smooth transition to provisions

in the Basic Law for a directly elected component in the legislature

after 1997.