XN000022-1997-03-20 — Page 2

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Statement by the Governor

Patten:

The following statement is issued by the Governor, the Rt Hon Christopher

I very much welcome the Canadian Government's announcement this (Thursday)morning that they will grant visa free access to holders of Hong Kong SAR passports. This is good news for Hong Kong, and another welcome sign of Canada's close friendship with Hong Kong and understanding of the integrity of our passport issuing system. I hope that the Canadian Government's decision will encourage other states that have not yet made their decision on visa free access to follow Canada's example. I would also hope that states where visa free access is not available will continue to treat holders of Hong Kong issued passports favourably, in recognition of the good reputation of Hong Kong travellers and Hong Kong passports.

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Transcript of Chief Secretary's media session

Following is the transcript of the remarks made by the Chief Secretary, Mrs Anson Chan, at a media session after attending a public function at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel this (Thursday) afternoon:

Question: How do you see the possibility that you think Thailand will also grant visa- free access to Hong Kong residents?

Chief Secretary: I certainly hope that when I visit Bangkok next week and I meet the Prime Minister and the Deputy Prime Minister, I will certainly raise this matter with both these gentlemen. We will continue our lobbying efforts. As you know the Director of Immigration, the Secretary for Security and other senior officials always raise this issue with senior officials that they meet in other countries, and on my previous visits to other countries, I also raised this issue.

Question: Would you repeat in English the response.....?

Chief Secretary: I was asked whether there is a conflict of interest in Mr C Y Leung heading this working group. I am sure the question of conflict of interest is a matter that the Chief Executive (designate) will be very concerned about. I understand that he is going to explain how this working group, the membership, how they are going to go about their work tomorrow when he holds his press conference. I am sure he will be very happy to address this particular problem.

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