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10.
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The head of the CITIC's Hong Kong office publicly denied the
report, which was continuing to circulate, that China was proposing a new
international airport near the border with Hong Kong (see para 14, December
1979 report).
11.
A second through train service between Guangzhou and Hong Kong was
due to start on 1 February 1980 but was cancelled at only three days notice with
no reason being given. In fact it seems to have resulted from bureaucratic delays
and every effort is being made on the Chinese side to start the service before
Chinese New Year.
12.
The Hong Kong and Yaumatei Ferry Co. have received permission to
run their existing hover ferry service to the centre of Guangzhou. The service
has hitherto gone only as far as Whampoa 20 kms. down river. The hoverferry
will fly the British flag throughout, something which had earlier caused the
Chinese some misgivings.
Propaganda
13.
The format of Hong Kong's communist Wen Wei Pao newspaper (with a
circulation of about 40,000) is to be changed in an effort to widen its
readership to all classes and boost circulation. Two new English language magazines are to be sponsored by the communists: "The Economic Bulletin", which will cover developments in China, and a travel periodical for tourists in China. The Guanghua Book Co. of London has suggested to local communist publishing
circles that they open bockshops in Europe.
United Front
14.
Over the New Year period Guangdong Province sent a football team to
Hong Kong to play against Hong Kong and the visiting Hamburg team. A tripartite
athletics meeting took place in Hong Kong between Hong Kong, Macau and Guangzhou.
i
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/ para 15