TNAG-2392-FCO40-3478-Appointment-of-Chris-Patten-as-new-Governor-of-Hong-Kong--Ap-1992 — Page 46

Is the Governor's job to represent Britain's interests in Hong Kong?

The Governor's main task is to defend Hong Kong's interests.

Of course Britain, as the sovereign power until July 1997,

has important political interests in the stability and prosperity of Hong Kong, and that requires the closest

communication with Ministers here and Whitehall.. Britain

also has important commercial interests in Hong Kong. We

have a Senior British Trade Commissioner in Hong Kong, whose

job is to promote those interests.

Have you spoken to the Chinese?

The Chinese were informed of my appointment.

to meeting the Chinese Ambassador in London.

I look forward

Will you be making changes in the Hong Kong Government? Much too soon to say. My first priority is to get myself briefed and to get out to Hong Kong.

Will you take any staff with you?

Too soon to say.

Will you be prepared to stand up to China?

I will want to stand up for the people of Hong Kong.

prepared to go into matters of substance.

for that once I am in Hong Kong.

Not

Plenty of time

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