TNAG-2591-FCO40-3779-Appointment-of-Chris-Patten-as-new-Governor-of-Hong-Kong--Ap-1992 — Page 71

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Foreign & Commonwealth

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1 May 1992

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HONG KONG: REACTIONS TO THE APPOINTMENT OF A NEW GOVERNOR

You asked for a summary of the reactions in Hong

Kong to the appointment of Mr Patten.

There was a good deal of impatience in Hong Kong in the days leading up to the announcement. But once Mr Patten's appointment was confirmed, this gave way to overwhelming interest in the Governor-Designate. In the week since the announcement, reactions in Hong Kong have

been very largely positive.

Among political figures, Lady Dunn set the tone with

an early statement, saying that she was pleased with the

appointment, sure that Mr Patten's talents would be

useful to Hong Kong, and that his direct access to the Prime Minister and Foreign Secretary would keep Hong Kong high on the British agenda. Liberals such as Martin Lee

and Emily Lau were also positive. One of the smaller political groups regretted the appointment and described it as a consolation prize, but they were a lone voice.

Initial comment in the Hong Kong media, including

the Communist press, was strongly favourable. The main

strands were:

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