TNAG-2702-FCO40-3908-Memoirs-of-Sir-Percy-Cradock--diplomat-and-sinologist-1993 — Page 79

into the world of wish fulfilment. In the

situation

inherited by the negotiators, both in China and Hong Kong,

I do not think much more could have been done. The

underlying philosophy has also been vindicated. However

the play ends, the events since 1992 have demonstrated, if

further demonstration were needed, that the policy of co-

operation with China for the benefit of Hong Kong, if not

the only conceivable policy, is the only one that will

allow Britain to leave the stage with a clear conscience,

knowing that it has done its best to fulfil its

responsibilities

to the six million people in its

charge.