P.3/8
8491 579838
P.04
29 JUL '99 14:51
29-JUL-1993 13:06
Gallagher
MR CHRIS PATTEN
-
DOORSTEP LONDON 29 JULY 1993
J
QUESTION:
do
For those non-ethnic Chinese in Hong Kong there was the view that
they should speak up or should apply for Chinese citizenship,
you have the same view now?
MR PATTEN:
That was an issue which I remember was raised with Director Lu
Ping a few months ago when a delegation I think representing the
Indian Chamber of Commerce visited Paking and Director Lu Ping
made some comments about the question of citizenship and the
definition of nationality after 1997. I think those are issues
which do still require a little more clarification and I hope we
will be able to do that through the Joint Liaison Group because
they are issues on which we need to shed a good deal more light.
QUESTION:
On Martin Lee's court case, the difficulty he is having finding
Chinese solicitors in Hong Kong to represent him, did you raise
your concerns about that?
MR PATTEN:
No I did not because it is not a matter for the government, but I
have expressed before, and I express again one very simple
proposition, it is extremely important to the future stability and
prosperity of Hong Kong that we secure the rule of law and I hope
that among those who believe in the rule of law are the legal
profession.