XN000022-1996-04-11 — Page 7

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Hong Kong will be in the limelight next summer as never before and perhaps never again. The eyes of the world will be on Hong Kong. It would be valuably important to see it face its new age in a decent and civilised way.

Now, if Chinese officials wish to resile from the proposition that we should have a 'grand, decent and solemn' ceremony, not a triumphalist ceremony that has never been one of our aims- if that's their new position, then alas, so be it. I do not think it's any individual British official who is hurt by that. I think it is bad for Hong Kong and it would be a missed opportunity to show to members of the UN Security Council, dealing with an issue left over from the last century in a way which, while not without its problems, was reasonably successful.

What I don't think any of us should do is to spend the rest of the year, or next year, arguing about these matters. There are far more important things to talk about. As far as I am concerned, if we cannot agree on something that makes sense, that looks decent, then we had better go our own ways, but I hope still, in Hong Kong's interest that we can manage to agree on a ceremony which is appropriate to the occasion. I just do not want anybody to think that this is going to be my or our fixation. There are many other issues that I want to see resolved. I want us to see us resolve the Vietnamese migrants' issue, I want to see us, I hope, get as broad an international agreement for visa-free access for SAR passport holders as possible. There are all these important issues to get on with and not spend our time arguing about fireworks.

Question: If their taxation was such a good idea, why don't you think the British Government would want some?

Chris Patten: When I was Chairman of the Conservative Party, I would have responded to that with the honest, graceful urbanity which Tony Bevans will remember! But as I am the Governor of Hong Kong, you had better ask an active British politician about the Government's tax policies. I can tell you about Hong Kong's tax policies!

Question: You spoke about Tony Blair This is in stark contrast to the document issued by Central Office last night which poured speculation on Tony Blair's activities in the past...... The document is slightly misjudged and would you.....

Chris Patten: It's very tempting to mix it on the British political agenda, but it's easier for me to resist the temptation since, like I understand Mr Blair to be, I am a Christian and should place Christian charity high in my list of personal motivations. So, I'll be charitable all round and say nothing.