TNAG-2596-FCO40-3784-Appointment-of-Chris-Patten-as-new-Governor-of-Hong-Kong--Ap-1992 — Page 77

When we have achieved that we will have fulfilled the promise enshrined in the Joint Declaration, a Hong Kong whose future is secure, a Hong Kong that cherishes and retains its present lifestyle, a capitalist heart beating at tahe centre of Asia, pumping prosperity ever more widely.

Achieving that will be :

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good for the citizens of today's Hong Kong;

good for the citizens of the Hong Kong of tomorrow; good for China;

good for Britain;

and good for the close relationship between our two

ancient civilisations.

I am only too aware of the honour of being asked to

govern Hong Kong during the next five, historic years.

I am not a complete stranger to the Territory.

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Indeed,

I visited Hong Kong both as a Member of Parliament and as a

Minister. But I have never lived here, and nor has my family. My wife Lavender, and I, my daughters, Laura, Alice, and Kate (who is not here today) the whole Patten

family greatly look forward enormously to getting to know

Hong Kong well and relish the opportunity to meet her

people.

I am, of course, very much aware of the very hard act

which I have to follow. Lord Wilson is an old friend. He

was an excellent Governor of Hong Kong, marvellously supported by Lady Wilson. I know in what high regard and with what affection they are held here. Both as Governor,

and in his distinguished career as a diplomat and scholar,

Lord Wilson has done as much as any man to strengthen the

bonds between Britain and China; to try to ensure that our

great peoples understand one another rather better; and,

above all, to serve you, the people of this Territory.

JB1AAD/2