the continuing negotiations with the Chinese. In every area dealt with so far, we have agreed arrangements fully
consistent with the terms and spirit of the Joint
Declaration.
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The success of the Joint Declaration and its implementation to date is shown by the astonishing revival of Hong Kong's confidence since 1984 reflected in very strong economic growth (over 30% in three years), buoyant inward investment, and ambitious development projects. people are emigrating, and I am well aware of concerns about this in Hong Kong. But the thriving Hong Kong Chinese communities around the world bear witness that this is not new; it is a phenomenon with which Hong Kong can cope.
Some
Your editorial was critical of the pace of the development of representative government in Hong Kong, misquoting the Joint Declaration and urging Britain to have a confrontation with China over the Basic Law. The fact is that the process of developing representative government in Hong Kong is being conducted in accordance with the wishes of the people of Hong Kong. Whatever the critics may say it was clear from a 1987 review that the majority supports a gradual evolution of more representative government. They do not want to jeopardise the political stability on which Hong Kong's prosperity and its way of life depend.
The Basic Law discussions on the political system after 1997 are also based on extensive consultation of the
Hong Kong people. Your editorial omitted to mention the key point that the Basic Law Drafting Committee has just endorsed the important objective of universal suffrage for the election of the future Hong Kong legislature and the Chief Executive. Far from going back on the Joint Declaration, this actually goes beyond what that document said about the future political system. The Joint Declaration only said that the legislature "shall be constituted by elections", and that the Chief Executive
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