ENG-1984 — Page 57

THE SINO-BRITISH JOINT DECLARATION ON THE FUTURE OF HONG KONG

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"The White Paper also lays a solid foundation for the smooth resumption of sovereignty over Hong Kong by the People's Republic of China on 1 July 1997.”

Hong Kong Social Workers Association

3.22 Those whose acceptance was a qualified one expressed reservations about China's ability to implement the provisions of the draft agreement. The point was made that it was difficult to accept the assurances regarding implementation so far ahead, although they were prepared to give China the benefit of the doubt. They were concerned lest any reduction in Hong Kong's prosperity and thus its value to China after 1997 would remove the incentives for China to comply with the undertakings in the draft agreement. They were worried about the possibility of undue interference by China and stressed the importance of incorporating the basic principles of the draft agreement in the Basic Law with clarity and in detail. They insisted on the importance of participation by Hong Kong people in the drafting of the Basic Law and in the work of the Joint Liaison Group and the Land Commission. Not- withstanding these reservations, most took a pragmatic view towards the future and the common feeling was that it was up to the Hong Kong people to make it work.

"It is difficult to foresee the future. The draft agreement is a postdated cheque. The result can only be known when it is proved."

-An individual

"The worry about Hong Kong being governed by people from Beijing or from the left-wing cannot be removed simply by the initialling of the draft agreement.”

-(Translation) Lung Ying Cheng Ming Magazine October 1984

"China must give the Hong Kong people a role in the drafting of the Basic Law for the SAR... The Basic Law is as important a blueprint for Hongkong's future as is the Joint Declaration. What the Joint Declaration did not deal with in detail should be included in the Basic Law.”

-HK Observers

South China Morning Post 29.10.84

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"This is a historical moment for Hong Kong and we need to re-examine our roles and obligations. The Joint Declaration has only provided a basis; the future developments of Hong Kong depend on her people's continuous efforts and further commitments to be made on the existing foundation.

チラ

(Translation)

University of Hong Kong Students' Union

3.23 In a number of cases, people expressed sadness at the severance of the link with Britain and the socio-economic system it has provided; disappointment at Britain's inability to maintain the status quo; resentment at the lack of involvement in the talks and frustration at the fact that the draft agreement could not be altered.

"I belong to the middle income group who do not have the means to emigrate to other countries and because I was born and educated in Hong Kong I would wish to stay in Hong Kong. For the purpose of your statistics you can classify me as one of those who