19 July 1991
His Excellency Mr RJ Smith Eign Commissioner
Australia High Commission Australia House
Strand
London
WC2B 4LA
I am writing to thank you for Australia's warm statement welcoming and supporting the understanding reached between Britain and China on Hong Kong's new airport.
We need to intensify cooperation with China over Hong Kong to bring about a smooth transition. In doing this we must be sure that the Hong Kong Government retain the ability properly to administer Hong Kong up to 1997. We believe that the agreement on the airport has given us a firm basis on which to proceed with the Chinese.
The international community attaches great importance to the success of the Joint Declaration and to the maintenance of Hong Kong's long-term prosperity and stability. Hong Kong has much to offer the world: we all have an interest in its continuing success.
Earl of Caithness
ANTAAW/CC
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