TNAG-2033-FCO40-2896-Visit-by-Douglas-Hurd--Secretary-of-State-for-Foreign-and-Co-1990 — Page 111

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economic success has spread to the neighbouring

province of the mainland.

China is Hong Kong's largest

trading partner. Hong Kong is also one of Britain's

biggest markets in the region.

All that could continue after 1997 or it could be lost.

The future of 5.7 million people after 1997 depends on

three things: first the talent and energy of Hong

Kong's own people. They are not in doubt. Second, the

attitude of the Chinese Government. There is much more

which they need to do to reassure Hong Kong. But

dialogue has been re-established and we shall do our

part to sustain it. Thirdly, Hong Kong's future

success depends on Britain - the responsible power.

After last June, this House rightly voiced its support

for Hong Kong. That has to mean more than words. The

people of Hong Kong are realists. For example, they

accept reluctantly

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that we cannot give passports to

all. They look to us over the coming years to take the

necessary decisions as the sovereign power and to

follow an active and understanding policy towards Hong

Kong. I hope I convinced them that we would do so.