TNAG-2592-FCO40-3780-Appointment-of-Chris-Patten-as-new-Governor-of-Hong-Kong--Ap-1992 — Page 32

18 MAY '92 14:00 kun

CONFIDENTIAL

APPOINTMENT OF THE GOVERNOR OF HONG KONG

STATEMENT BY THE PRIME MINISTER

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I am very pleased that Chris Patten has agreed to become Governor 1875- of Hong Kong. He will have a vital job to do at a crucial time.

No-one could do it better. 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. There are enormous advantages in having a Governor of Chris Patten's political experience and seniority. I believe that the people of Hong Kong will quickly come to value his qualities, and those of

his wife Lavender, as much as I and his collealgues in the

Cabinet have done. We will of course be continuing to work with

him very closely in his new job and he will have direct access to me and to the Foreign Secretary at all times.

23 April 1992

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CONFIDENTIAL