XN000022-1996-09-23 — Page 3

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Question: (inaudible)

Governor: I didn't hear your question.

Question: Yesterday Mr Tsang Yok-shing ...?

Governor: Well, I've made it clear that it's the Government's position that we will give the maximum co-operation to the Chief Executive (Designate) and his or her team. I don't think I can say anymore than that. I very much hope that Mr Tsang Yok-shing and his colleagues and Chinese Officials in particular will ensure that the present administration gets the support and understanding that it deserves.

Question: Some Legislators have gone to Taiwan and early this morning the had gone near Diaoyu Islands and there were about 13 Japanese warships around them. Do you think ...?

Governor: Well, I don't want to repeat what I said before which was fairly explicit but I stand by the remarks I made earlier to a similar question.

End

Chief Secretary launches HK Promotion in Australia

The Chief Secretary, Mrs Anson Chan, today (Monday) began her week-long visit to three cities Sydney, Canberra and Melbourne in Australia.

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The highlight of her first day's programme in Sydney was the launching of the first ever Hong Kong promotion in the country with the opening of the Hong Kong House and a gala dinner for 450 guests at the Regent Hotel. She also called on the Premier of New South Wales, Mr Bob Carr.

In the morning, Mrs Chan unveiled a commemorative plaque to mark the opening of the Hong Kong House, the home to the Hong Kong Economic and Trade office (HKETO), Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) and Hong Kong Tourist Association (HKTA).

Mrs Chan said the opening of the new Hong Kong House signified a major step taken by Hong Kong to strengthen its already important trade and cultural ties with Australia.