XN000022-1996-12-20 — Page 8

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Governor: Mr Tung knows what the British Government's position is. He knows what the Hong Kong Government's position is. He knows that these decisions aren't taken. These very serious decisions aren't taken by governments lightly. So, he knows that these are not matters on which we are intending to change our mind or our point of view. I very much hope that despite that we will be able to cooperate on a broad range of issues. But I do have this worry. Frankly, the establishment of the provisional legislature is much more of a problem for the SAR government than it is for the government before the first of July 1997. Why? Because it's going to raise substantial question marks in people's minds, in people's minds in Hong Kong and beyond about the survival of Hong Kong as a free and successful and prosperous and decent society. I think that is a very unfair inheritance for the SAR to start off with. The SAR will receive on the first of July as it were the keys to the government of one of the most successful places in the world. But that success has a question mark hanging over it because of tomorrow's unseemly events. I think it is a sad day for Hong Kong, but I hope that Chinese officials will get back in unquestionable compliance with the Joint Declaration as soon as possible. That's what we should all want to see. Everybody is now talking about the legal question marks over the provisional legislature, not just me that is talking about this, everybody including some who support the provisional legislature are talking about these legal doubts and uncertainties. So, this is not a good day for Hong Kong and not a good day for the SAR government. But I just to repeat that when Mr Tung and I meet at 4 o'clock on Monday for a discussion, I know that both of us will be wanting to search for common ground rather than magnify any differences between us. I do hope that while you've all got your job to do in the media, you'll recognise that I am sure be our objective. Thank you very much.

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HK/US Agreement for Surrender of Fugitive Offenders signed

An agreement for the Surrender of Fugitive Offenders which will remain in force after 1997 was signed between Hong Kong and the United States today (Friday).

This is the sixth Agreement which Hong Kong has signed in this important area of cooperation against international crime. The other five were signed with the Netherlands (November 2, 1992), Canada (September 7, 1993), Australia (November 15, 1993), Malaysia (January 11, 1995), and the Philippines (January 30, 1995).

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