MR GOODLAD'S HONG KONG PARTY: REMARKS
- At outset of new Parliamentary season, useful to gather
together those with an interest in Hong Kong from worlds of
Westminster, business community, media and Whitehall.
Governor's 7 October speech has set the agenda for the next
five years in Hong Kong. His proposals for broadening democracy
very well received in Hong Kong, in this country and in the
internation media.
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We realise that the Chinese side have reservations [if
Ambassador Ma will permit me to use a diplomatic term!].
But we and Chris Patten are convinced that his proposals are
the right way forward for Hong Kong. As he has said, there is
no contradiction between more democracy and Hong Kong's stability and prosperity. Quite the reverse. An essential part
of safeguarding Hong Kong's way of life is to increase
effectiveness and accountability of Hong Kong's Government: and
participation of individual citizens in the running of Hong
Kong. That is what Governor's proposals do. Hope they will command your support.
Chris Patten will be explaining his thinking this week to
Chinese leaders. An important visit, hard on the heels of the
Fourteenth Party Congress. The Governor attaches great importance, as we do, to a cooperative working relationship with China over the question of Hong Kong. We believe thre can be fruitful discussion on his constitutional proposals and on the
airport when the issues are tackled on their merits.
It
Cooperation is in the best interests of Hong Kong people.
offers the best way of ensuring Hong Kong's success far into the
next century.
Remarks.PET.JRB