The seven major business chambers expressed disappointment at Prime Minister John Major's reply to their criticism of the Governor, but agreed to put an end to the argument.
In a joint statement, the chambers said Mr Major failed to address their concerns about Hong Kong's international image they believe was damaged by remarks made by the Governor in a Newsweek magazine.
Mr Patten's remarks 'had led a reputable international journal to infer that the business sector has betrayed Hong Kong', they said.
They also disagreed with Mr Major's suggestion they should pay tribute to the hard work of the Governor.
'We are a little surprised also to hear the Prime Minister's suggestion that we owe the Governor gratitude for working so hard to present Hong Kong's case.
'One would have thought it a matter of duty for the highest-paid official to do his job, rather than a case of the taxpayer owing gratitude.' The chambers rejected suggestions the business sector has not discharged its 'social responsibility' by speaking up on issues such as the Legislative Council, the rule of law, the Bill of Rights, the neutrality of the civil service, and the judiciary. But they did not elaborate on what they had raised on these issues.