TNAG-1891-FCO40-2684-Visits-by-Sir-Geoffrey-Howe-and-by-Douglas-Hurd--Secretaries-1989 — Page 33

TRANSCRIPT A FORBIGE SBC

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HONG KONG PC

4 JULY 1980

2

PORBIGE SECRETARY (CONT):

I have aleo had a chance of seeing something of the way in

which Hong Kong is continuing to develop its facilities and

infrastructure by visiting the splendid new Convention Centre and

the Bastern Harbour crossing.

During my meetings I have expressed my admiration for the

fortitude with which the people of Hong Kong have responded to

recent cvents in China. I pay particular tribute to the dedication

of those in the public service.

I have of course been deeply impressed by the very great

senee of anxiety, above all on the question of nationality and right

of abode. I have explained how the British Government sees matters

and how we can realistically try to respond to local concerns about

the prospects for the next few years.

Some of what I have had to say has not been welcome but it

would have been dishonest of me to promise what no British

Government can deliver, to issue insurance policies for all that we

should not be able to honour.

But I also wanted to reaffirm the view which is in substance

comon ground, that the Joint Declaration with its prospect of the

greatest possible autonomy remains the best foundation for Hong

Kong's future. Indeed the importance of the Joint Declaration has

been heightoned by what has happened in China,