XN000022-1996-01-11 — Page 17

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16.

Speaker: Are you sure that you will be taking part in the ceremony?

Governor: Well, you have to say, when you're answering a question like that, "God willing", because otherwise there may be somebody polishing thunderbolts up above to cast them down. But bearing that in mind, yes I am absolutely sure, absolutely confident that I will be part of the British team taking part in the hand-over ceremony. And frankly, I think it is undignified as well as rude for people to start making propaganda points about that sort of thing. It's not worth even discussing because it's just impertinent.

Speaker: The Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman, Chen Jian, has said that on the question of the hand-over of sovereignty the Government has no special role to play. But according to what you have said, Mr Chen is rather rude isn't he?

Governor: Well, I leave it for others to say that. China is a great nation and I think those who are spokesman for a great nation should bear that in mind, and bear in mind the importance of speaking and acting with courtesy, with dignity and with restraint.

Speaker: We are moving towards the end of the interview, let's do some summing-up. Oh no, let me ask another question first. We all know that the Governor is a very important person in the British political scene but if the British political scene is such that your presence is required, would you be happy to go back and accept the invitation?

Governor: No.

Speaker: Not?

Governor: No. I've said ever since I arrived in Hong Kong, and I dare say I'll be being asked this question at five-minutes-to-midnight on 30 June 1997, that I intend to stay and complete my tour of duty and public service in Hong Kong. That is the position. The Prime Minister and other officials know that that's the position. The Opposition Leader knows that's the position. The Opposition in Britain have made it clear that if they were to win the next election before 1997 they would keep me as Governor. So the position is absolutely plain and isn't going to change.

Speaker: At the start of our interview, the Governor has already told us about a lot of his achievements whilst in office. But can you tell us, Sir, which is your area of greatest regret or greatest failure for the past three years.