TNAG-1852-FCO40-2627-House-of-Commons-Select-Committee-on-Foreign-Affairs-enquiry-1989 — Page 74

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In Confidence

DSR 11C (Revised 5/87)

the Basic Law, in accordance with the Joint Declaration

and taking full account of the views of Hong Kong people.

(IV) British Policy and Actions

13.

The Government fully share the Committee's view that

the progress and prosperity of Hong Kong is of enormous

importance to the United Kingdom and to British interests

(paragraph 4.3). They are grateful for the Committee's

analysis under this heading and have taken careful note

of the Committee's recommendations (paragraphs 4.15,

4.19, 4.20, 4.21, 4.22, 4.23 and 4.24). As the Committee

will be aware, we are working urgently on a scheme to

give people whose professional, administrative, technical

and managerial skills are essential for the continued

success of Hong Kong the confidence to remain in the

territory. We shall report to the Committee as soon as

we are able to make an announcement.

14. We have, as the Committee recommend, taken every

available opportunity to seek to promote international

support for the future prosperity and well-being of Hong

Kong. The Prime Minister has raised the matter with her

opposite numbers in the European Community and in the

Commonwealth and in bilateral contacts with Heads of

Government of a number of countries. Most recently the

communique of Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in

Kuala Lumpur contained a strong reassertion of support

for Hong Kong. Our aim is to persuade the international

community to join us in taking concrete steps to provide

the clearest possible assurances to Hong Kong and its

people.

15.

The Government have noted the Committee's views of