TNAG-1891-FCO40-2684-Visits-by-Sir-Geoffrey-Howe-and-by-Douglas-Hurd--Secretaries-1989 — Page 92

VISIT OF SECRETARY OF STATE TO HONG KONG: 2-4 JULY

ELEMENTS FOR SPEECH

1. Now is exceedingly difficult time for people of Hong Kong.

Whole world reeling from shock of events in Peking. But nowhere has

impact been felt so keenly as in Hong Kong. HMG have comdemned

bloodshed, repression and executions. Will continue to urge Chinese

leadership to come to its senses.

2. At such a time, natural to be deeply concerned about future. Easy to sink into black despair. Fully understand and sympathise with such feelings. But worth recalling what has been achieved and

what can endure.

3.

My personal commitment to Hong Kong. Since becoming Foreign

Secretary have devoted myself to building secure future for Hong

Kong. Much hard work, tenacious negotiation etc. Periods of crisis

and uncertainty. At times, odds seemed stacked against success.

4.

But despite the odds, we secured some solid achievements:

Joint Declaration: clear statement of all that is necessary to

preserve Hong Kong's existing way of life. [Not

Not a cast iron

guarantee on anything. But much, much more than the

Chamberlainesque piece of paper that some irresponsible commentators

have described it as.

s.] Remidler ghey caponents.

-

Draft Basic Law:

still far from perfect, but nonetheless

remarkable that Chinese authorities should have committed themselves

to constitutional document of such comprehensive detail.

5.

Now confidence has been shattered. Our achievements so far

seem very hollow. Have all our efforts been in vain?

Reversion to China in 1997 was inevitable fact of geography and

history. We have worked to ensure that Hong Kong reverts on best

possible terms. Essential that we recognise value of what has been

No.

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