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12.
What I would most like is, first of all, for Hong Kong and the people of Hong Kong to be trusted by the future sovereign to play the part in the continuing opening up of China, the successful transformation of the Chinese economy and Chinese society, in the way in which I think the people of Hong Kong want to be given the chance of playing that role. I do think it is important that leaders in the PRC should recognise how committed the majority of people are in Hong Kong to a successful transition in 1997. But they do want, I think, to feel that they are trusted and not because of the values and decency which they cherish regarded as in any way a threat.
Secondly, I would hope in particular that the rule of law which has been one of the main reasons for Hong Kong's success, could survive, as I am sure it will, intact after 1997, and that our experiences in Hong Kong of the rule of law would perhaps help those Chinese officials who have been talking with considerable interest about the development of legal structures in China.
And thirdly, I would - I hope the Honourable Member will excuse a personal remark - I would very much hope that I would be able to come back to Hong Kong after 1997, though perhaps not for a little while, and see a community as successful and prosperous and decent, thriving, giving an example to the region and the world, as much as is the case today. And I don't like crystallised fruit.
Dr Tang Siu-tong (through interpreter): Thank you Mr President. Mr Governor, some time ago Mr Lu Ping and Qian Qichen met the CS, Mrs Chan. Now, Mr Governor, you are the big boss of the Hong Kong civil service, what is your feeling about that? And when do you anticipate that you will be meeting these senior Chinese officials because if you meet with them it will help boost the morale in the civil service?
Governor: I don't feel like a big boss, nor yet like a big brother, but I am, as the Honourable Member said, responsible for the Administration of Hong Kong and work in that endeavour hand in glove with an extremely talented and committed group of senior officials. I hope as many of them as possible will have the opportunity over the coming months, over the coming two years, of meeting Director Lu and his senior officials, and that the meetings that the Chief Secretary had in which she was treated with the exquisite courtesy which she thoroughly deserved, will be followed by meetings with others in Hong Kong.
There were certain understandings and agreements about the regularity of meetings between the Director of the Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office and the Governor of Hong Kong which, alas, have been departed from over the last two-and-a- half years.