XN000022-1996-04-11 — Page 13

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Apart from anything else, what are Chinese officials worried about? The gentlemen you mentioned would be horrified if they were to be patted on the back by colonial government, particularly since one of them attacked me in colourful and eloquent terms for my colonial credentials. But they are civilised, intelligent individuals with robust opinions which they express forcefully - I am told particularly forcefully in Cantonese. What is the problem? They don't bite. They may argue back, but Hong Kong is a free society and people are allowed to argue back in Hong Kong - as I know.

Question: The two people concerned are apparently sitting outside the building from which they are debarred. Have you any message you can send them about their attitude?

Chris Patten: I hope the pavement is not too uncomfortable. I hope some generous- hearted official from the NCNA will bring them a cushion and a cup of tea.

I hope even more that Chinese officials will be sensible and will think again and ask them in for a talk rather than seek to freeze them out.

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What message does it send? Here is a great country, one of the great powers of the world, and in 1997, we see the resolution successful, we hope of an issue left over from the middle of the last century. That is what we are talking about. What sort of impression does it convey if you slap down anybody who might have a contrary opinion? That's no way to behave. It's certainly not very Confucian.

Question: I have two questions, one newsy and one less newsy about your speech this morning and about the handover ceremonies. You mentioned this morning that you are not prepared to let the discussion of the handover ceremonies drag on over 15 months, if the Chinese side know what elements are to be involved in a grand and solemn ceremony. I was wondering what the British Government's idea of a grand and solemn ceremony was, and additionally what you think your role as Governor would be in that ceremony. The Chinese officials seem to think that you will be just a spectator of the whole thing and not a participant.

Chris Patten: Well, no. To be fair to them, Chinese officials during our discussions have not mentioned my role. One or two 'sources' have speculated about my role, but I am Governor of Hong Kong; I shall be Governor of Hong Kong - God willing - until midnight on 30 June 1997, at which time I will depart. I think it would be surprising if I was not part of whatever British representation took part in the final ceremonies.