XN000022-1996-11-21 — Page 3

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Messages from the Queen and Foreign Secretary

The Governor, the Rt Hon Christopher Patten, has received messages of sympathy for the victims and families and friends of the Garley Building fire from Her Majesty the Queen and the Foreign Secretary, the Rt Hon Malcolm Rifkind. The text of the messages are as follows:

Message from Her Majesty the Queen:

"Please convey my heartfelt sympathy to all those who lost members of their families or friends, or who suffered injury, in yesterday's tragic fire. My thoughts are with you at this difficult time.

Elizabeth R"

Message from the Foreign Secretary:

"I was appalled to hear the news of the tragedy in Kowloon. On behalf of the British Government I send you our deepest sympathy.

Malcolm Rifkind"

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Governor's statement on fire at Garley Building

Following is a statement by the Governor, the Rt Hon Christopher Patten, on the fire at Garley Building, Jordan in the Legislative Council today (Wednesday):

I would like to begin this afternoon by making a statement and taking your questions on the appalling fire that occurred in Jordan yesterday evening. If there is time, then we can go on later to discuss my recent visit to Europe to lobby for visa free access and the question of human rights reporting. But it is obviously the tragedy which took place in Hong Kong last night which is on all our minds today.