XN000022-1997-01-30 — Page 8

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Question: In the interview, you blamed some Hong Kong businessmen not keep their promise to support your democracy movement in Hong Kong. Why don't you name those businessmen? Don't you think it is unfair to other businessmen in Hong Kong if you don't tell us ...?

Governor: No, I think they know who they are.

Question: Governor, what is the new consulate... concerning Britain's relations with Hong Kong?

Governor: I think the new consulate underlines Britain's continuing commitment to Hong Kong. But perhaps Mr Hanley would like to add a word on that.

Minister: Certainly I think that the continuing relationship between the United Kingdom and Hong Kong is better going to be served by this excellent new building and the people working in it. Not only will there be a thousand British businesses still trading in Hong Kong, but there will be many hundreds of thousands, if not millions of people for whom the United Kingdom has a special obligation. But our obligation isn't only economic and it's not only consulate. It is also one which is a moral obligation and I hope that we will continue to monitor what occurs to try to make sure that this transition leads into a successful future for Hong Kong so that its future is even better than the miraculous past. This building is a remarkable building and over 31 million pounds, it is bigger than the vast majority of embassies that we have world- wide and I think symbolises therefore properly the close connections between the United Kingdom and Hong Kong which will exist for all time.

Governor: Can I just add one sentence or two to what I've said to your question earlier. I think when you get back to the office, you will see that the agency concerned have issued a retraction and have put out a new statement which is this time accurate rather than wholly inaccurate. But since most of you didn't believe the original agency report, I don't think that will make very much difference ...

Question: How can you guarantee that local businessmen ...?

Governor: Well, if people are to lose as it were the share of their market for their products because of their personal beliefs then that would be an exceptionally bad day for Hong Kong and would mean that Hong Kong would cease to be one of the leading financial and business centres in the world.

Question: ... House of Lords ... Bill on British citizenship ... ethnic minorities ...?