TNAG-1748-FCO40-2467-Visit-by-Sir-Geoffrey-Howe--Secretary-of-State-for-Foreign-a-1988 — Page 34

CONFIDENTIAL

5.

Another pressing problem is that of Vietnamese boat people.

My visit to the new emergency facility at Green Island made a deep

impression on me: it was a graphic illustration of the burden Hong

Kong is having to bear. I look forward to hearing your views on this matter. I shall of course be speaking to my colleagues in

London about this on my return. We shall want to look at all

aspects of the problem.

6.

My visit coincides with period of public consultation on

draft Basic Law. Not deliberately planned. But nevertheless

particularly useful to get a feel for views of Hong Kong people on the draft. The British Government have a right and a duty to satisfy themselves that draft Basic Law fully and faithfully

reflects Joint Declaration. We are studying draft closely, will be

listening particularly carefully to what Hong Kong people have to

say about it.

7.

My last substantive visit to Hong Kong was in 1984, at the

time of negotiation of Joint Declaration. We have come a long way

since then:

work of JLG to implement Joint Declaration is progressing

smoothly and steadily;

pace of work should intensify after JLG takes Hong Kong as

its principal base in July;

1

we have taken important steps forward in development of

representative government;

Hong Kong has enjoyed successive years of double- digit

growth: has proved that it can hold its own in an ever more

competitive world;

Hong Kong people are enjoying fruits of success in terms of

better social and welfare amenities.

8.

These solid achievements in the political, economic and

CONFIDENTIAL