Kong's Executive and Legislative Councils also came to London to explain OMELCO's views to the Prime Minister.
Another consideration in our decision was the need, which I believe many Hong Kong people recognise, for continuity up to and beyond 1997. Constitutional development in Hong Kong cannot be divorced Those who pretend from 1997 and considered in isolation from it.
It is nonsense to
that it can are out of touch with reality. suggest that whatever democratic system we establish now, China would be obliged to accept it in 1997. Responsible opinion in Hong Kong would not have thanked us for taking a decision which caused a break down in cooperation with China over the next seven years for the sake of electoral arrangements which would be over-turned in
1997.
The destiny of Hong Kong is inevitably bound up with the destiny of China. This is a historical, geographical and political reality. Any viable future for Hong Kong must depend on successful and secure co-existence with China. That objective is enshrined in the Sino-British Joint Declaration of 1984, which in the words of the Foreign Affairs Select Committee represents "the best and surest treaty base for the future of Hong Kong". The decision which we have taken for 1991 will preserve the concept of "one country, two
systems"
capitalist Hong Kong and communist mainland
the Joint Declaration is based.
-
on which
I can understand, though I strongly disagree with, the reasoning of those who suggest that we should in some way tear up the Sino-British Joint Declaration and plan the future of Hong Kong on a different basis. I find this wholly unrealistic but it is at least logical. What strikes me as completely illogical is to accept the Joint Declaration and then argue that decisions should be taken which would guarantee its failure. To plan in Hong Kong for a dead end in 1997 seems to me entirely irresponsible.
That is why we have been actively engaged in intensive and tough discussions with the Chinese Government about the provisions relating to the political structure after 1997 to be included in the draft Basic Law for the future Hong Kong Special Administrative
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