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The Governor's "Letter to Hong Kong"
Following is the full text of the Governor, the Rt Hon Christopher Patten's broadcast on RTHK's "Letter to Hong Kong" this (Sunday) morning:
Co-operation is one of the most frequently spoken words in the unfolding history of Hong Kong's transition to Chinese sovereignty in 1997. Of course, it's used in different ways. Sometimes, it's a slogan bereft of any real meaning. Sometimes, it's given a particular spin which robs it of its original sense: co-operation - on these occasions suggests that one side abandons everything it believes in and does whatever the other side wants.
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But what is the real co-operation that we should seek?
Co-operation means working together in a constructive way in a common endeavour within faithfully observed and shared boundaries. What's the common endeavour? The interests of Hong Kong as a successful economy and a free society. What are the shared boundaries? The terms of the Joint Declaration which prescribes how Hong Kong's economy can remain open and capitalist, and how the rule of law and the measured introduction of democracy and representative government can guarantee our well-being and our decent way of life.
We might secure more co-operation along these lines if everyone would remember that from Peking to Pok Fu Lam we have a shared interest. We all want Hong Kong to make it - to make it through to 1998 and beyond in the best possible shape despite the pessimists and the critics. That is what, I repeat, we all want. Chris Patten. Lu Ping. Martin Lee. And that's what those of us with direct responsibility will be judged on. The British Government. The last British Governor. The Chinese Government. The Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office. The Preparatory Committee. The Chief Executive of the SAR.
Now who should be involved in this process of co-operation? Let me talk about a three-way partnership, which if it works with a healthy dose of civility and understanding - will make the world of difference.
First, there is the Hong Kong Government, charged with the task of running this community for just over another 500 days. Second, there is the first fully-elected Legislative Council, representing - more clearly than any other institution - the people of Hong Kong, whom we should never for one moment forget.