XN000022-1996-05-27 — Page 3

2.

-

Question: What do you intend to tell the American public about the issues surrounding the provisional legislature ...?

CS: I've just said that I accept that there will be concerns about the provisional legislature. I shall try and deal with these in a frank manner, setting out the Government's position. I think the Government's position on this is very clear.

Question: The business community is going to file another complaint later. Do you think that the case will be ...?

CS: The Governor has already explained that the accusation levelled against him has arisen entirely due to misunderstanding. He has never used the words that the business sector accused him of. I'm sure we all wish to co-operate in a united way to ensure that Hong Kong has a smooth transition. In the light of the Governor's explanation and the reply from the Prime Minister, I hope very much that we can put this episode behind us and concentrate on the rest of the transition period.

End

Response to statement by seven chambers

In response to enquiries about the statement issued by the seven chambers of commerce this afternoon, the Governor's spokesman Kerry McGlynn said:

"The Prime Minister and the Governor have made our position abundantly clear on this issue. It's time to draw a line under the argument and move on. The community expects us all - including business leaders who have the ear of China - to work together to promote the best interests of Hong Kong both at home and internationally. The Governor has always spoken up passionately for Hong Kong. He will continue to do so in the future."

End