XN000022-1996-04-29 — Page 2

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Transcript of the Governor's media session

Following is the transcript of the media session by the Governor, the Rt Hon Christopher Patten, after visiting Wan Chai District this (Monday) afternoon:

Governor: I'm actually going to save you all the effort of coming out to the airport. tomorrow and say something after Exco about my Canada and US trip if you'd like. But if there're any questions anybody wants to ask today, I'm delighted to hear from

you.

Question: Do you think now the China Airline becomes the biggest shareholder of the Dragonair, do you think Cathay and Swire selling all their shares to the China Airline is a political exchange or trade ...?

Governor: I think, whatever has been announced today is commercial. It's a matter between the companies involved and it's not I think for me to comment. But Cathay is of course a very significant force in the airline industry. Many people in Hong Kong have rightly regarded it over the years as carrying the flag for Hong Kong and I'm sure it will continue to play a major role in the international market place for many years to

come.

Question: Do you think it is a symbol of the diminishing influence of the British in Hong Kong ...

Governor: It seems to me it is curious to talk about diminishing their influence when they're investing so very heavily in Chek Lap Kok. And I think that one of the reasons for the decisions that have been announced is because they're raising more money to invest in Chek Lap Kok. So they're going to remain a major and forceful player in one of the most important economies in the world. You look around the world. It's not very surprising to find airlines and other companies broadening their ownership base.

Question: The US Government has already announced the renewal of MFN to China unconditionally. So what is the point for you to go to the States to lobby?

Governor: With due respect, they haven't. What has happened is that Mr Warren Christopher has said that it's the US Administration's policy to renew MFN unconditionally. But that as you know is subject to votes in the Congress, the votes in the House of Representatives and in the Senate, and one of the main things that I'll be doing in the United States is to lobby senators and congressmen to support unconditional MFN renewal. I'll be carrying the same message to the United States that Martin Lee has carried very eloquently and helpfully in the last few days.