TNAG-2767-FCO40-3984-Hong-Kong-and-the-media-interviews--press-briefings-and-the--1993 — Page 165

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"immoderate and non-sensible", and neither do I.

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see

Q.9 If Mr Patten's proposals fail to be accepted by China

and China refuses to talk about other issues, how can

him remaining an effective Governor? Can you envisage a

situation from now to 1997 where there is only minimal contact

between a Hong Kong Governor and Beijing? Should such a

situation arise, how would Britain answer calls to replace

the Governor?

A.9

Chris Patten is an outstandingly effective Governor,

and I have no doubt that he will continue to be until 30 June

1997.

Q.10 The airport and a number of other important business

issues are now being held up pending agreement by China. And

how do you see this situation being resolved.

A.10 As I said earlier: the best way to resolve

differences is to sit down and discuss the issues in a mature

and considered way. We have discussed the question of

airport finance with the Chinese authorities on many occasions, and have made a number of proposals designed to meet their concerns. So far we have not reached agreement,

but we shall continue our efforts to do so. Until then the

Hong Kong Government will continue to do what they can, on a step by step basis, to meet their obligations under the MOU

to build as much as possible of the airport before 1997.

scsmpsos.min JM BRIEF

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