TUESDAY, MAY 4, 1993
GOVERNOR PATTEN:
Well, there are two distinct
questions. The first is are there alternatives to attaching conditions to MFN if you want to secure given
objectives in the trade field, in the weapons
proliferation field, in the human rights field. I think
there are alternative ways of pursuing those matters, and
that's one of the points I've been arguing about.
There is a second point, which is whether if you
think that some sort of conditionality is inevitable with
MFN renewal you should put yourself in the position of
actually debating what that conditionality should ideally
be. I don't think I could possibly do that. I think it
would be to give away the principle which I've been
asserting, and I don't think it would be a sensible thing
to do tactically.
But what I must ensure is that Hong Kong's
position and Hong Kong's commitment to free trade and
economic growth, as the best ways of securing social
progress, are recognized by both the administration and by
politicians.
QUESTION: Governor, have Senator Mitchell and
Congresswomen Pelosi given you any idea whether they're
really going to push through their legislation, or is it
just, at the moment, something they're threatening to do?
/GOVERNOR PATTEN:
+