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to make a judgement on the best way forward; and
ultimately it will be for LegCo to decide whether to
approve legislation.
Among Hong Kong politicians, Baroness Dunn was quick
to welcome the speech ("ambitious and vital"). Allan Lee
and his group, who are the main losers from the reshuffle
of ExCo, have been subdued but not critical: indeed Selina
Chow has been helpful in public. Martin Lee has varied his
tone depending on the audience. In the Guardian on 8
October he was critical of his exclusion from ExCo,
ascribing this to unwillingness to stand up to Peking. In
comments to the Hong Kong media he has been more
restrained, expressing disappointment about ExCo but
welcoming the electoral proposals provided that the
Governor had the stomach to stand up to the Chinese. Lau (who is normally a strident critic) gave the
Governor 60% for the speech. The business community have been positive (the Hong Kong Association put out a
welcoming statement here) and the markets have responded
well, despite the signs of disagreement with China:
Hang Seng ended the week up 41 points.
Emily
the
The Governor will continue his public meetings and
other presentational activities next week. The Foreign
Secretary has an article in the Sunday Times on 11 October.
We have not yet seen the considered Chinese reaction.
yous
ever,
J S Wall Esq
10 Downing Street
R-chaw
(RH T Gozney)
Private Secretary
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LA