19 July 1991
His Excellency Mr
Ambassador
Embassy of Japan
101-104 Piccadilly
London
W1V 9FN
I am writing to thank you for Japan'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
ANTAAY/CC
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