Chief Executive Tung Chee-hwa expressed mixed feelings yesterday as he accepted a consignment of medical supplies for Hong Kong from the central government, saying the mainland itself had an urgent need for protective clothing in its own battle against Sars.
Eight trucks bearing red banners expressing the mainland's unity with Hong Kong in combating the disease rolled across the border to deliver 113,000 DuPont Barrierman protective gowns and 100,000 shoe covers to the Hospital Authority for distribution to health workers.
The consignment, the first batch of supplies promised by Premier Wen Jiabao last week, was formally handed over in a ceremony at the Huanggang border crossing yesterday morning.
Collecting the protective clothing, paid for by the mainland, Mr Tung said: 'It is with mixed feelings that I come to take possession of these supplies on behalf of Hong Kong. At this very moment, our mainland compatriots are fighting an all-out battle against the same disease.
'Despite the urgent demand for such supplies on the mainland, the central government has nevertheless made this sincere and tangible gesture of support to Hong Kong.'
His comments came as the Hospital Authority said it already had enough supplies in stock but nonetheless welcomed the donation from the mainland as a boost to morale.
