(contd)
CV
Although 18 years is a long time, yet time passes
year by year. The time limit will be very near after 8 years. It was reported that Deng Xiaoping told Hong Kong Governor, Sir Murray MacLehose: "China may or may not claim back Hong Kong in 1997. No matter what happens, please tell Hong Kong investors not to worry, they will not suffer any loss on their investments." Judging from this, the Beijing authorities have already decided on one point, that is no matter whether Hong Kong and Kowloon are claimed back, properties of the capitalists will not be confiscated, either they will be bought out over a period of time, or interest will be given for a fixed 8 or 10 year period or there will be a period of joint public/private ownership before they become fully public.
It is believed that China should make the position clear before 1987 and begin a discussion with Britain on how to solve this question. Hong Kong landlords have to give a year's advance notice to tenants to give them time to make arrangements. If the China landlord takes back the building, sells the lease or increases the rent and does not give formal notice 10 years in advance, then the majority of tenants will be worried and will not carry out repairs or invest.
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