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further than they are prepared to go, but nor should we go less far. Of course, it is true that we could put in place arrangements for the 1994 and 1995 elections and see them cast aside by China after 1997 in its first act of sovereignty. But the argument that China may act against Hong Kong's interests (and its own) in the future, cannot be a persuasive argument for us to do the same today. Moreover, if we have a credible system why should China want to remove from elected office in 1997 men and women who will have been elected by their fellow citizens? This is hardly the best way of winning hearts and minds.

J

19. Hong Kong is as great a success story as this century has produced

a success story in which Britain has played its part. The people of Hong Kong

97 per cent Chinese want to see China succeed and prosper for the rest of this decade and in the century to come. They want to help contribute to more and greater achievement as China opens up to the world. We have three and a half years to persuade Peking to trust them to trust, to understand and to be proud of Hong Kong. For the sake of Hong Kong, I hope we will succeed. And for the sake of China, too.

TOTAL P.09