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The main
Initial comment in the Hong Kong media, including the Communist press, was strongly favourable.
strands were:
Mr Patten's links with the Prime Minister and Foreign Secretary, which would be particularly useful in ensuring close relations between London and Hong Kong in the next
five years;
the fact that Mr Patten's political skills would enable him to provide leadership in Hong Kong; and that he would also be well placed to establish a good working relationship with the Chinese leadership. This was seen by many commentators as an early priority for him.
The Chinese language "Ming Pao" Newspaper struck a discordant note with an editorial describing the appointment as a mockery which showed the Prime Minister's disregard for Hong Kong interests. Apart from that, the only criticisms of the appointment were some further airing of the consolation prize theme, and some comments about Mr Patten's lack of experience of China
and Hong Kong.
Reactions in the business community were positive. For example, the Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce welcomed the appointment, saying that it would further increase the business sector's confidence in Hong Kong.
Following the initial reactions, comments in Hong Kong rapidly switched to speculation about how Mr Patten would deal with the issues, and advice as to what his policies should be. Martin Lee predictably focussed on deamcracy and the need to stand up to the Chinese. Other political groups have put dealing with law and order, inflation and housing at the top of their agenda. Α