2094
HONG KONG LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL
5 July 1989
commend to Britain and China that they re-evaluate paragraph 4 of the Joint Declaration.
I firmly believe that paragraph 4 is the key to any future discussions between Britain and China. It is most interesting and perhaps ironic that China can ask as much of Britain as Britain can ask of China under paragraph 4 provided of course the object of the exercise is the economic prosperity and the social stability of Hong Kong. In this context, one point that deserves some mention is paragraph 3.6 of the FAC report, where the recommendation is that Hong Kong should go ahead with the second airport as soon as possible. I am sure we have to re-evaluate the position and if the decision is to go ahead would it not be a tangible show of British confidence if Britain were to participate as a partner and/or provider of funds in this project? I do not propose, Sir, to set out exhaustively today what I believe Hong Kong is entitled to expect of Britain but I do need to ask the FAC and the British Government this: how can the Joint Declaration be enforced and what is the remedy in the event of a breach? Or are we to assume, contrary to what history has taught us, that countries do not break international agreements. Suffice it to say that the FAC report on the Joint Declaration and the Basic Law is a "constructive background" for lively discussion. We are not so unreasonable to ask for an absolute guarantee. What we want and what we are entitled to, Sir, is a "bulletproof" guarantee.
Sir, with these remarks, Sir, I support the motion.
MR. CHENG HON-KWAN: Sir, the report prepared by the Foreign Affairs Committee of the House of Commons has dealt with many aspects of the problems that exist in Hong Kong. During the course of the committee's inquiry which commenced in April this year, the whole situation was largely complicated by the tragic events in Peking and a fresh look at the problems was taken as a consequence of changes in the circumstances.
In my view, the report contains points which are disappointing or controversial as well as those which appear to be acceptable to the people of Hong Kong. As it is quite impossible for anyone to cover many issues in this debate within the time constraint and due to the fact that my honourable colleagues will share the effort in making other points, I would like to touch upon some of the committee's deliberations on the Joint Declaration and the Basic Law, which in my opinion, are specific and equally important.
Sir, I firmly believe the Sino-British Joint Declaration is still a good piece of agreement which has been accomplished through extremely hard work during the negotiation stage to ensure the future stability and prosperity for Hong Kong and its people. As the British and the Chinese Governments have committed themselves to this treaty, I would agree to the committee's view that reneging on the Joint Declaration and breaking off all negotiations with China for the foreseeable future is simply not an option. I would also endorse the committee's recommendation that the Joint Declaration should remain as the best treaty base for the future of Hong Kong
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