TNAG-1632-FCO40-2248-Ministerial-visits-from-the-UK-to-Hong-Kong--including-visit-1987 — Page 80

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VISIT TO HONG KONG BY LORD GLENARTHUR, 16-19 SEPTEMBER

BRIEF NO. 16: PRESS CONFERENCE

(i) Outline of opening statement

1.

Glad to meet members of press.

2.

Took office in June as Minister with special responsibility for Hong Kong. My first overseas tour: Hong Kong first port of

Reflects importance attached by British Government to Hong

call.

Kong.

3.

Immensely

Have Have come to learn.

learn. Have travelled widely in territory, received extensive briefing, met wide range of people. impressed with what I have seen:

4.

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vitality and enterprise of Hong Kong people;

their confidence in the future and their positive approach to

the changes confronting them;

rapid development of Hong Kong's infrastructure; rapidly improving quality of life.

My visit also demonstrates continuing commitment of British Government to Hong Kong, its people and its future. A high priority in Britain's foreign policy to secure Hong Kong's future on basis of

Joint Declaration.

5.

Have held meetings with Governor and ExCo. Discussed work done in turning Joint Declaration into reality. Heartened by progress made. Naturally also discussed review of representative government. Public consultation soon coming to end, survey office will report. You will understand I cannot pre-judge outcome.

6. Have also looked at practical problems which Hong Kong faces. Particularly concerned about continuing flow of Vietnamese arrivals. British Government doing all it can to assist with resettlement,

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