TNAG-1891-FCO40-2684-Visits-by-Sir-Geoffrey-Howe-and-by-Douglas-Hurd--Secretaries-1989 — Page 42

TRANSCRIPT B: FORRIGE SEC P.C.

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Cand

FONG KOO

4 JULY 1989

..2..

FORBIĜE SKCRETARY:

I do not goo the difference.

QUESTION:

"Significant parts" means selecting certain people.

FOREIGE SECRETARY:

I see! Io. Ve have tried to make it on the basis that our

approach must be as non-divisive as possible.

That is why I

emphasised the importance of the private as well as the public

sector.

QUESTION:

Are you ashamed of the fact that the British Government has

done so little to (sic) the people of Hong Kong?

PORNICY SECRETARY:

To, not in the least. I am impressed by the extent to which

representatives of the people of Hong Kong have acknowledged the

candour and the energy and determination with which we have tried to

represent their cause.

The people of Hong Kong have to their credit enor■QUB

achievements in the context of a situation that is historically and

geographically uniquely exposed and it is for that reason that we

have tried to do everything we can at every stage to help them.