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Question: In the light of this Progress Report, can you comment on what Sir Percy Cradock said this morning that it would have been much better for Hong Kong if Governor Patten had never come here and things are going to be worse than ...?
CS: Sir Percy is a retired official. He has been out of the scene for some time. I think Hong Kong people including within the Administration. Legislative Councillors and the community at large at in the best position to judge what is in their best interest. I should also point out we have had a record turnout of voters and people participating in the recent elections. Clearly, that demonstrates that Hong Kong people are ready and willing and wish to have a greater say in the way in which they are
governed.
Question: One area that is behind schedule is the closure of Vietnamese camps. Given the Chinese insistence that there should be no boat people left in the territory when they take over and the UNHCR saying: that's unlikely....
CS: It remains our aim to resolve the Vietnamese boat people question before 1997. We are of course disappointed that we have not achieved greater progress in repatriating the boat people back to Vietnam as we would have like. I have to say that part of the reasons was because hopes have been unnecessarily raised by recent initiatives on the part of the United States. But I repeat: it remains our objective to resolve the boat people question before 1997,
Question: I think it remains your objective but how likely is it going to happen?
CS: I think that I have just stated that it is our aim and clearly we will do everything possible, everything within our power to resolve this problem. I know that the community is concerned about this. The Government is equally concerned. We hope with the co-operation of everybody including of course very importantly the Vietnamese authorities that we will be able to resolve this question before 1997.
Question: Where the issue of permanent residency now stands, you anticipate...
CS: We are continuing our discussions with the Chinese. I do know that the Chinese authorities and the Hong Kong Administration, the British Government are very concerned about this issue. It is an issue that the whole community is concerned about, including not only the people of Hong Kong and also members of the investing community. I do know that all parties wish to be able to seek an early resolution of the problem so that the position is made clear to everybody in Hong Kong.
End/Monday, October 9, 1995
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