TNAG-1748-FCO40-2467-Visit-by-Sir-Geoffrey-Howe--Secretary-of-State-for-Foreign-a-1988 — Page 319

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11.

In these ways we are working with the Hong Kong Government to anticipate change; to manage change; to give it substance in Hong Kong's interest. 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.

12. Whenever I meet Chinese Ministers it is Hong Kong that lies at

the heart of our discussions. It is not subordinated to any other

objective or any wider concern. My Chinese counterparts share my

determination that the Joint Declaration should be made to work, and

in every detail. I am convinced that their commitment to Hong

Kong's stability and prosperity equals my own.

13. I do not underestimate the trauma of change for the territory

and every one of its inhabitants. Uncertainties and fears are bound

to exist and cannot be dispelled by mere words. We cannot close our

eyes to the phenomenon of emigration, particularly among the

professional groups who have a crucial role to play in Hong Kong's

future. It would be a denial of Hong Kong's freedoms if we sought

to prevent these people from leaving. What we can do is to create conditions which encourage people to continue making their lives in Hong Kong, and which encourage those who have left to return.

14.

Hong Kong has so much to offer them. Working together the

British and Hong Kong Governments will do their utmost to replace uncertainty with certainty; to uphold confidence; to continue building in Hong Kong a free and prosperous society which rewards. generously the contributions of all its inhabitants.

15. Hong Kong's history and Hong Kong's triumph is one of

successful adaptation to change. I have no doubt that this is also

Hong Kong's destiny. In preparing for that destiny I can assure you

that you have the understanding and the full support of the British

Government.

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