TNAG-2392-FCO40-3478-Appointment-of-Chris-Patten-as-new-Governor-of-Hong-Kong--Ap-1992 — Page 19

MR CHRIS PATTEN PC

LONDON

24 APRIL 1992

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people of Hong Kong that I was the right appointment, I hope I will be able to justify that by the way in which I undertake my

responsibilities.

QUESTION (Peter Snow, Newsnight):

I wonder if you could share with us some of the considerations that must have gone through your mind in deciding to write off, at least in the short term, any more of a political career here at

home?

MR PATTEN:

I think this is one of the most important jobs in public service. As I said in my statement, it is immensely challenging, it involves of course above all safeguarding the interests of the people of Hong Kong, helping to represent their interests in London and in China. And when I looked at the scale of the job when the Prime Minister and the Foreign Secretary first mentioned it to me it seemed to me that I could not look for anything more challenging for the next five years. The Prime Minister, in his statement, said that it was a vital job at a crucial time, he also said it is one of the government's highest priorities to manage the transition to 1997 so as to safeguard Hong Kong's freedom, stability and prosperity. I am delighted to have the chance of

working with the Prime Minister and the Foreign Secretary and delighted to have the opportunity of carrying out such a vital

task.