XN000022-1996-04-11 — Page 3

Governor's press briefing after lecture in London

Following is the transcript of a press briefing by the Governor, the Rt Hon Christopher Patten, at 1215 hours BST, after his inaugural lecture for the International Institute for Strategic Studies, London today (Thursday):

Question: You said in your last comment that China had to realise that Hong Kong could suffer greatly if they went ahead... I am not saying that Hong Kong's reputation would in any way be sullied, but what real hopes do you have that the kind of corruption that we see in China won't spread to Hong Kong despite the various guarantees that China has undertaken?

Chris Patten: We have an extremely good and effective Commission against corruption which was understandably alarmed at a rising trend of reported corruption in the 1992-1994 period, but is a little more satisfied by a levelling off in the trend. I would refer you to a very good article in the Financial Times the other day. I think everybody realises the importance of Hong Kong retaining its reputation as a decent and clean place to do business. I have heard that remark made by Chinese officials and I am sure they understand the truth and importance of it. I do not think there will be too much difficulty in getting assurances from Chinese officials and commitments about the importance of continuing with the battle against corruption as one of Hong Kong's highest priorities.

Question: It seems from what you said today, Governor, and indeed from what you said yesterday, that there is really no room for any compromise with China over, let me call it, the constitutional issue, in other words, what is will happen to LegCo and whether another one is going to be set up. In that case, how do you see yourself proceeding diplomatically in the next 15 months. Are there other steps they should be thinking of taking perhaps like bringing other people into this debate outside Asia such as the Foreign Secretary suggested when he was over?

Chris Patten: I do not think there is anyone else who needs to be brought into this debate at the moment. Our objective and strategy remains clear, which is to do all that we can to safeguard the implementation of the Joint Declaration. We will not do anything which compromises that.

Question: The Chinese government have recently expressed a request for cooperation. Your office has suggested that cooperation will be provided. What sort of cooperation would you be providing and how extensive will that be?