- 4-
We are still talking both to Hong Kong and to Peking about the way forward. We are certainly not out to pick unnecessary fights with China over these constitutional matters - but nor is it acceptable simply to find out what China wants and then to do it. We have to judge each question on its merits, keeping at the front of our minds the long term interests of the people of Hong Kong.
The third immediate issue is that of the Vietnamese Boat People
in Hong Kong. The arguments are well known. The key issue now is to work out arrangements to deter future arrivals and to deal quickly with those who do arrive. As for the Vietnamese people already in Hong Kong, I believe that the repatriation of
non-refugees is the only realistic course available. There has been
more understanding of our policy at home and abroad than was predicted by its critics. Britain will continue to play a full and constructive part in international talks about this problem. What
we cannot passively accept is the prospect of 30,000 or 40,000 more
people coming from Vietnam to Hong Kong this spring and summer, not
in search of asylum from persecution, but because they have been led
to believe that their journey is a prelude to a more prosperous life
and resettlement in the West.
It is several years since I last visited Hong Kong and I am
looking forward to my meetings there over the next few days. I have
no illusions about the difficulties which lie ahead. But the
history of Hong Kong is an account of how British, Chinese and
others with energy and determination can meet and overcome enormous challenges. I believe that Hong Kong can win through again.
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.