TNAG-2392-FCO40-3478-Appointment-of-Chris-Patten-as-new-Governor-of-Hong-Kong--Ap-1992 — Page 18

24-HFP-1998

MR CHRIS PATTEN PC LONDON

A

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24 APRIL 1992

2

P.08

Lord and Lady Wilson, whom I have known for more than a decade,

have done a magnificent job over the last 5 years, I will do my

best to continue their work and to build on Hong Kong's success in

the remaining years of British administration.

There can be few jobs in public service anywhere as important as

the Governorship of Hong Kong, my family and I are greatly looking

forward to starting work. Perhaps I can just add that as well as

seeing some older colleagues, acquaintances, here today, I am

delighted to make my first acquaintance with the formidable Hong

Kong press corps and I look forward to doing so on many future

occasions over the next five years.

Perhaps if I take a few questions, if you could tell me your name

and organisation at the outset, then I will try to answer your

questions, though obviously I am not so injudicious as to think it

would be sensible to answer within three and a half hours of my

appointment detailed questions on policy.

QUESTION:

There is a mixed reaction in Hong Kong about your appointment and

some critics say this is a consolation prize to you, what is your

reaction to this comment?

MR PATTEN:

I hope that I will be able to demonstrate by the way I do the job

in the next 5 years and by my commitment to the interests of the