LORD CAITHNESS' VISIT TO HONG KONG: 15-20 SEPTEMBER 1990
1. OPENING STATEMENT ON ARRIVAL
- Thank you for your welcome.
This is my first visit to
Hong Kong. It is also my first visit in my new job. I am very much looking forward to it.
- When Margaret Thatcher offered me this job, I was
naturally flattered and excited. I knew that Hong Kong was one of the Government's top priorities, and both
Margaret Thatcher and Douglas Hurd have confirmed this to
me.
I intend to do everything in my power to measure up to that challenge.
- I have no illusions about the complexity and sensitivity of some of the issues facing Hong Kong. My own preparations for this visit have convinced me of that.
- But I have also been immensely encouraged by the positive and constructive attitude of those Hong Kong people whom I
have already met. I believe that Hong Kong's greatest
assets the energy, resilience and resourcefulness of its people will see it through the uncertainties of the coming
years.
-
It
But I am equally clear that Hong Kong also needs the
fullest possible backing of the British Government. That
does not mean simply cheering you on from the sidelines. means timely and sustained action. I want to use this visit to find out what is required and what more Britain should be doing.
In
I have come with no easy answers or glib assurances.
order to try to find the answers I need to understand what
the problems are. That is the main purpose of the visit.
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