TNAG-2031-FCO40-2894-Visit-by-Douglas-Hurd--Secretary-of-State-for-Foreign-and-Co-1990 — Page 89

"BRITA IN AND HONG KONG: THE CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUN IT IES"

INTRODUCTION

Hong

Impressions of Hong Kong in the 1950s. Now returning after many years, struck by extent to which it has prospered and matured. Kong has "grown up" both physically and metaphorically.

Since becoming Foreign Secretary, have devoted considerable amount of time to Hong Kong issues. Nothing surprising about that: reflects the priority the Government attaches to Hong Kong. This

will continue right up to 1997.

-CPurpose of my visit and major objective as Foreign Secretary is to see what fore Britain could do to help Hong Kong

Determined to do all, I can to ensure Britain's last great

it up and scented are too th imperial chapter is an honourable one,

cotepaduce lut

one

Unife situata :1997 ndr

'The county, two systems". Must make that wack.

Cannot pretend that our task will be an easy one.

lie ahead. But determined to tackle them vigorously.

Many problems

JOINT DECLARATION

-

Joint Declaration is a very good agreement. To its critics I say: Can you honestly suggest any better alternative? However, foolish to pretend that the Agreement marks the end of our problems.

We are

A long and laborious task to implement its provisions. committed to that task. Arrival of Senior Representative to JLG

underlines this.

CONFIDENCE

Self evident that Joint Declaration alone cannot sustain

confidence in Hong Kong. That is why we introduced an assurances

JONACE