Notable by their absence were the current leaders of Hong Kong, particularly Governor Patten.

In any case, Governor Patten observed, it was unclear what foreign threat Hong Kong was faced with that would require armed Chinese troops.

So when Governor Patten called for increasing the electorate for a number of legislative seats, China responded with escalating threats.

"Government House," said Mr. Choy, referring to Governor Patten's home and office, "was surrounded by tall buildings, which blocked its spirit."

Governor Patten draws back and leaves the offering to the goddess alone.

Besides, she provided a number of letters to Governor Patten written by her between 1994 and 1996 to the enquiry.

Governor Patten, backed by his boss, Prime Minister John Major, suggests that he may be prepared to press for more elected seats.

This is precisely why China maintains that Governor Patten's democratic reforms are against the agreement.

There are some problems now in coming to terms with that, but it has spilled over into attacks on Governor Patten's reforms.

We must understand that those reforms brought in by Governor Patten now have broad support.