LAST Friday, the recently-appointed British Foreign Office Minister with special responsibility for Hong Kong, Jeremy Hanley, arrived in the territory for a six-day visit. Although the visit comes less than three weeks before the last Legislative Council election held under British rule, it is largely seen as a non-event.
Such perception must be welcomed by the British Government, which wants a quiet, uneventful and if possible, honourable withdrawal in 1997. Hence British politicians, including Governor Chris Patten, have done their utmost to lower the Hong Kong people's expectations of Britain.
However that does not stop the politicians from paying lip service to looking after our interests. Such is the hypocrisy and duplicity of politics.
Today Mr Hanley will address the Hong Kong and British chambers of commerce on Britain's obligation to Hong Kong up to and beyond 1997. The minister should choose his words carefully lest he should rub salt in the wound and further upset local sensibility.
A bit of background may help. Shortly after the Beijing massacre on June 4, 1989, then Foreign Secretary, Sir Geoffrey Howe, visited the jittery territory. Speaking at a luncheon meeting, he expressed sympathy but had little to offer.
His condescending speech provoked a surprising response from Lee Wing-tat, a member of the pro-democracy lobby. Mr Lee rose to protest against the Foreign Secretary's 'bull**** speech' and then walked out.