XN000022-1996-12-18 — Page 3

- 2 -

Question: Are you going to meet him soon?

Governor: Well, we have agreed that we should meet after his visit to Peking and after all the formalities of his appointment are out of the way. He confirmed that in a letter to me the other day. And I am sure when we meet we will let you all know about it.

Question: Mr Patten, for French TV. This is the last Christmas for British authorities here in Hong Kong. What do you feel ... of all?

Governor: I look around, I look out of that window for example, at that view of a magnificent city, and I feel proud that Hong Kong is one of the greatest cities in the world. A refugee community which has become so spectacularly prosperous and so stable, thanks to the combination of the hard work, the vigour, the skill of Chinese men and women, many of whom came here as refugees, combined with the rule of law, decent, clean public administration and all the freedoms that all of us would associate with an open society.

I think that has been a spectacular combination. It has produced a very successful, thriving city. We have an economy which has been praised as the freest in the world in recent days by an American think-tank, which has received a very substantial endorsement for its economic management recently from the IMF. I am very proud of Hong Kong and I will remain very proud of Hong Kong.

Question: Do you think it could continue... with Beijing ...?

Governor: I think that if Chinese mainland officials stick to what they have promised in the Joint Declaration, I think if they trust Hong Kong and if they trust Mr Tung to govern Hong Kong with the autonomy which has been promised, then I am sure that Hong Kong will continue to be very successful.

Question: Are you optimistic?

Governor: I am as optimistic as I have just sounded,

End