TNAG-2596-FCO40-3784-Appointment-of-Chris-Patten-as-new-Governor-of-Hong-Kong--Ap-1992 — Page 70

PS/Mr Patten

DRAFT INAUGURATION SPEECH

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From:

Sir John Coles

Date:

26 June 1992

CC:

PS/Mr Goodlad

Mr Ricketts

HKD 0011 नजा

1.

Your minute of 25 June.

2.

The

I find the speech refreshingly new and admirably clear. But I do not think there is enough in it for China. Chinese, in my view (I am no expert), will like the reference to "one country, two systems" and to "an executive-led government"

3.

But they will be suspicious of the emphasis on freedom on page 3. They will look for an assurance of continuity in policy and will not find it. They will find the fourth paragraph on page 7 about trust challenging or, as they would say, provocative.

4.

be met. right.

5.

(a)

(b)

I am not suggesting that all these points can or should

But I think the balance of the speech is not quite

I suggest the following amendments:-

Add after "trust is a two-way street" on page 7, ["Good cooperation with

China is my sincere aim and my profound wish. It is vital for the next five years, vital for the future of Hong Kong.

Then delete "I am happy

other directions"

The image is one of confrontation, despite the reference to "fruitful enounters"

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