HONG KONG: GOVERNOR'S SPEECH
Chris Patten has just finished his first policy speech to
the Legislative Council in Hong Kong. Wide ranging and full
of fresh ideas. Amounts to road map for the last years of
British rule in Hong Kong.
We sent Chris Patten to Hong Kong three months ago because
we have important responsibilities to fulfil there: managing
effectively the transition over the next few years, and
putting Hong Kong in a position to continue its success story into the next century.
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Hong Kong is growing and changing. Not just the skyline
and the economy, but the political landscape as well.
On my recent visits, have found it a much more political place.
Since he arrived there, Chris Patten has talked to a very wide range of people, and has consulted us.
The political changes he is proposing in his speech are intended to do two things. First, to make his Government more
effective and accountable. Second, to meet the widespread
hope in Hong Kong for more democracy
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and the equally strong
hope for a system that can survive beyond 1997.
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The proposals for broadening democracy will need to be discussed with the Chinese, with the aim of ensuring as much
continuity as possible. But we and the Governor are clear that the best way to safeguard Hong Kong's unique way of life
into the future will be to have an effective and open
Government and strong democratic institutions. Chris Patten's
proposals are the result of a lot of careful thought.
convinced they are the right way forward for Hong Kong.
I am
cpspeech.GEN.bern
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