Chris Patten the Last Governor Speech at Farewell Ceremony of Hong Kong Handover 30 June 1997

[hkkhnyc]

People criticize that Hong Kongers hate to be a Chinese. People blame that Hong Kongers betray China and be loyal to the Great Britain of United Kingdom. I say, it's a matter of fact that, Hong Kong had its core value under the administration of G.B. while we're now losing it; and, it's a matter of fact that, we lived more happily before 1997; and, it's a matter of fact that, we, the Hong Kongers, would definitely love our old government more much than the one we're currently having. God bless.

[qwertyuiopqwerty112]

I think I was crying when I was hearing this

[tybruce37]

This is one very "waggish" video. =p

[RoseGabriella]

so ironic :(

We miss the days that the British Goverment ruled....

[josepena1127]

Your vid is a favorite on Sarajevo

[utubemaster047]

Good riddance

[DBPHuguenot]

Gov Patton has a deep sense of history, seen in this speech. Ends beautifully where it begins at about 5.50. If that does not touch you, then you don't know HK and don't understand the feeling between HK people and The British. Chris Patten was not "a professional," nor did he want to act like one. Everything might have been different if the Foreign Office possessed a little more vision, supporting Patten, and HK's own power brokers supported him.

[DBPHuguenot]

Last comment... I loved Hong Kong, in part for the place, but mostly for it's people of all ethnic origins, it's rich history, and the electric feeling of the place.

My wife is of HK decent (met her at Oriel/Oxford), my three children, and I were all treated wonderfully. I would have "stayed on" if I could.

A parting code message to Old Hands - I only wish Dick Hughes had been there to cover the last days of Empire. "His Holiness" would have given us a rich account of a very sad few days.

[natng5332]

is there a clip of the live show of this speech? i could find such a live show but with an instant cantonese interpretation...

[mcaddicts]

He speaks of truth it was a well built city under British watch but it does in matter of fact belongs to those of china and should be turned over to them. It was a sad day in the history of Hong Kong but was also a glorious new start to what can be a great city and some day independent country. Free Hong Kong from China let Hong Kong's people rule Hong Kong.

[yfjameslo]

@mcaddicts I'm afraid that day would never come - Hong Kong has become too dependent on Chinese consumerism, too intertwined with the Chinese government to claim any meaningful sovereignty in the foreseeable future. I would certainly wish for such a scenario, but it's too far away from reality...

[DBPHuguenot]

@yfjameslo

I quote Pang Ding-hong (grin) Chris Patton - "the restless energy, the hard work, the audacity of the men and women who have written Hong Kong's success story..." HK's human values can not be "subsumed" by China unless HK Chinese just give up, something I can not imagine! HK People are to run HK. If freedom means anything, it starts in the heart. Never give up that spirit of HK values, the wish for freedom. We are all willing you to succeed. /DrHugo

[yfjameslo]

@DBPHuguenot Thanks very much for your reply Dr - I share your sentiments. As far as I would argue that Hong Kong has become economically dependent on China, this has in no way compromised the democratic values which we hold dear to our hearts - upholding fundamental human rights, in particular freedom of speech and sovereign rule, are embalmed in our culture and will not be extinguished.

P.S. You must be an Oxon! Just applied to Oxford for undergrad ;)

[terrykuok2007]

Hong Kong people want The Queen still to rule Hong Kong.

[m4jid1]

The British OCCUPIED Hong Kong with the intention of making the Chineese addicted to heroin. By the British ''ran out of Hong Kong like a mouse,'' Britain had one of the highest heroin dependant junkies on Earth!!!

[brutefusion]

@m4jid1

the British are the real rulers of the Hong Kong people. We never wanted the Chinese communists to stick their noses in the first place. God save the Queen

[allnippon1051]

god save the queen!!!

[ngaitom09]

How emotional, brilliant, and remarkable speech that the last governor of Hong Kong, Christopher Francis Patten, Baron Patten of Barnes, CH, PC had made. Very impressive indeed.

[askTingTing]

That was an important day...