TNAG-1755-FCO40-2475-Future-of-Hong-Kong-Parliamentary-debates-1988 — Page 96

-

V

There are other difficult areas still to be resolved, such as those dealing with the formation of the first SAR government, and its legislature, and the selection of the first Chief Executive. And of course the British 'Government, as co-signatories of the Joint Declaration with the Government of China, will need to be satisfied that the draft Basic Law fully and accurately reflects its provisions.

I have no doubt that the people of Hong Kong will respond to the draft with serious and constructive comments, and that the Chinese Government will listen closely to those views, and make a real effort to meet such concerns expressed in Hong Kong.

In all these ways, Hong Kong's future is coming together well. Remarkably well, considering the magnitude and uniqueness of the task.

J

-

And that owes much to the spirit of Hong Kong the determination and the ability to turn thought into action and hope into reality. Where doubt and uncertainty existed before, we are building step-by-step a structure of clarity and confidence. It is that Hong Kong spirit which gives me the conviction that what we have embarked on is going to work.

But Hong Kong's successes

-

past and future depend too

upon the goodwill and support of Britain and China. Experience shows clearly that Hong Kong does not prosper if Britain and China are at odds and vice versa.

I have already reaffirmed Britain's commitment to Hong Kong. That commitment comes from the Prime Minister and all our colleagues. We have a deep sense of responsibility to Hong Kong and her people. I myself have had 7 meetings in the last 2 years with Foreign Minister Wu Xuegian, now Deputy Prime Minister. Hong Kong has been at the heart of those discussions.

So let me once and for all dispose of the myth that Britain ever has or ever would sacrifice Hong Kong's interests in the pursuit of better Sino-British relations.

That is hogwash. Even if we were daft enough to think there was any benefit in doing so, it would not be within our power. Nothing would destroy Sino-British relations faster than a failure of our joint enterprise in Hong Kong. And don't forget that our own economic interests in Hong Kong are immense.