TNAG-2595-FCO40-3783-Appointment-of-Chris-Patten-as-new-Governor-of-Hong-Kong--Ap-1992 — Page 23

FROM

6. 5.1992 11:40

P. 5

But I heard the Prime Minister, when I was in London, mention

Hong Kong during a speech ...?]

Yes, well Hong Kong is clearly at the top of the Prime Minister's

priorities, and So, it was at the top of our priorities in

planning the General Election campaign and during the campaign.

It's a very important part of the Government's policy.

[Does the Prime Minister's appointment of Mr Patten and now of

yourself, a key Prime Ministerial aide, indicate that the

Government attaches greater importance to the affairs of Hong

Kong?]

Well,

I worked with the Prime Minister, for the Prime

Minister during the

during the Election campaign. I wouldn't describe

myself as a Prime Ministerial aide over a period of months. But

I did work with him closely during the Election campaign. It's

certainly true to say the Government attaches the highest

priority to the interests of Hong Kong and the close links

between the Governor Designate and the Prime Minister and the

Foreign Secretary will clearly be an important asset

clearly be an important asset over the

years ahead.

[Why did the Prime Minister meet Martin Lee in London recently,

he hasn't met him before?]

Well I think the Prime Minister valued the opportunity to hear

Mr Lee's views and it was sensible for him to meet him.