24-APR-1,992
16:57
JAMES LEE
TRANSCRIPT B MR. CHRIS PATTEN
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2
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P.03
PC LONDON 24 APRIL 1992
manage the transition to 1997 so as to safeguard Hong Kong's
freedom, stability and prosperity; that is the freedom, the
stability and the prosperity of 6 million people in Hong Kong.
QUESTION:
You have mentioned that you will try to learn in five years' time.
Do you think that is enough time to learn? As you mentioned, this
is a most critical period for the people of Hong Kong. How can
you convince the people of Hong Kong that you are the right choice.
and the best candidate mentioned by the Prime Minister?
MR. PATTEN:
I can only convince them as I have sought to argue in the last
quarter of an hour by the way in which I do the job but I can
assure them of my enthusiasm, my commitment, my dedication to the
job that needs to be done just as I can assure them that my past
has given me some knowledge of the political trade its most
elevated as well as its less elevated skills.
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QUESTION:
How do you see your role as the last Governor of Hong Kong
differing from Sir David Wilson? What is your first priority in
Hong Kong affairs after taking up the post?
MR. PATTEN:
I have known David Wilson for some time. I first met Lord Wilson
when he was the political adviser in Hong Kong in 1979 when I made