[O]n July 1, 1997, Hong Kong became the only example of decolonization deliberately accompanied by less… — Chris Patten

[O]n July 1, 1997, Hong Kong became the only example of decolonization deliberately accompanied by less democracy and a weaker protection of civil liberties. This was a cause for profound regret, especially for the departing colonial power. But it was China's doing and China's decision. I am pleased that Britain narrowly avoided complicity in the dishonourable act of denying the citizens of free Hong Kong what they had been promised in 1984.

p. 70Source: Wikiquote · CC BY-SA 4.0