07 JUN 191 11:38
P.8
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work in the long run?
A: I think that there are lots of ways of actually making
your point. First of all you can go up front and make a lot of noise about something or else you can do it by quiet methods, through diplomacy. We have been seeking to do it through the quieter methods of diplomacy, as
have the Americans, as have the French and we do believe
that this is probably the best way of having an effect
in the longer term. Because it isn't so much the noise that you make on the front page of the newspaper or the television. It is actually what good you are going to do and if one is trying to make a representation then
you have to look at the various aspects as well.
Q:
A:
This is probably why some of the critics are saying
Britain is sort of kow-towing towards the Chinese
because apart from remaining silent, Britain seems to
play a passive role in negotiation with China over Hong
Kong. Is it true that you haven't got any more cards to
play?
I would certainly dispute that. There is an attitude among some people that says that Britain is kow-towing, if we were kow-towing we wouldn't be in absolute unanimity with the Hong Kong government over the discussions of the airport and the Hong Kong government are there day to day on a very autonomous basis.
Britain is very ready to help and has done an enormous amount to help. But if you want us to have a greater
say, then we are going to have to be involved more and more with the day to day running of Hong Kong. Now that isn't what you also want. You want your autonomy. That is what we have given you. We are very ready to support
the Hong Kong government and do on many occasions. That is why I come to Hong Kong on a regular basis, that's
why the Governor comes here on a regular basis. But the
day to day running of Hong Kong must be by the Hong Kong
i
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