TNAG-1896-FCO40-2690-Calls-on-Francis-Maude--Minister-of-State-for-Foreign-and-Co-1989 — Page 140

09/01/1989 21:53 U.K. MISSION (NEW YORK)

Ch 020 WJID

INTRODUCING .... HONGKONG 3000 FOUNDATION

4.

The Hongkong 3000 Foundation has been formed with one simple aim: to assure the future prosperity and continuation of Hong Kong as we know it today: a global economic force, and a thriving free enterprise hub of the emerging Pacific region.

A non-profit research and campaigning group, we consist of people of all nationalities, drawn together by a common concern for Hong Kong's future. Hongkong 3000 intends to pursue its aim against these key background factors:

a deep-seated crisis of confidence among Hong Kong people over their, and the territory's future security, fuelled though not created by the mid-1989 suppression of the pro-democracy movement in China.

an enormous sentiment of goodwill toward, and support for Hong Kong among the international community.

J

an acceptance that Britain alone, despite its commitment to Hong Kong until the 1997 handover of sovereignty to China, cannot offer security to all Hong Kong citizens.

Hongkong 3000 will seek leadership from Britain in securing long term confidence and prosperity for Hong Kong and its people but believes that concerted support from and involvement with the broad international community is the best long-term answer to Hong Kong's needs,

Hong Kong and its people have, in recent decades, set world economies a unique example of enterprise, productivity and open and free trade. Hong Kong has saved as the meeting point between western nations and Asia, boosting global economic growth. Not only its five million plus people, but the very essence of Hong Kong itself, deserves the attention and support of international communities.

Hongkong 3000 believes that energising this reservoir of international goodwill is the best possible security for Hong Kong's beleagured people who, frightened by what has happened in China, currently feel abandoned and left to fend for them- selves. This means scouring the world for alternative residency rights, often resulting in forced emigration for people who see Hong Kong as their natural home. The resulting human distress and damage to Hong Kong's society is a potential tragedy we ought not let happen.