CHINESE Foreign Minister Qian Qichen was less than enthusiastic about the pledge for co-operation made by British Foreign Secretary Douglas Hurd last week.
The delivery of Mr Patten's 1994 policy address clearly explained Mr Qian's cautious response to the olive branch held out by Mr Hurd.
It was said to be a speech featuring prominently the initiatives to be taken in the remaining transitional period to restore co-operation, which was shattered when Mr Patten announced his democratisation plan for Hong Kong two years ago.
In the 19 paragraphs of the speech dedicated to Hong Kong's relationship with China and its commitment to co-operation, there are indeed suggestions to improve the working pattern to facilitate a smooth 1997 changeover.
The firm commitments Mr Patten appears to have offered will most likely be considered empty political slogans by Beijing.
The suggestions are general and vague enough. The five-pronged approach in facilitating the best possible start for the incoming administration in 1997 looks generous, as assistance will be offered whenever it is needed by the Preparatory Committee for forming the first Special Administrative Region (SAR) government, the chief executive designate, the future executive council and principal officials and the People's Liberation Army.
