6.
either the ceded territory of Hong Kong nor the NT lease.
However, they were fully alive to the significance of 1997
and it had been mentioned by them on various public occasions.
The LPS said that as far as HMG was concerned the future
of Hong Kong and the New Territories were inseparable.
3.
Mr. CHEUNG Yan-lung enquired what would happen
to Hong Kong's British social and cultural standards if
Hong Kong ceased to be British. The LPS said he did not
have a crystal ball and was not much of a prophet. The
present relations between China/Britain/Hong Kong were
very good, and this was probably a good time to press for
a favourable solution to Hong Kong's future. Mr. K.C. CHAN
said that he would like to make three points which he felt
were relevant to the present situation; firstly, China
must have some dignified means of retreating from the public
position it had taken in regard to the foreign occupation
of Chinese territory; secondly, China traditionally deferred
and deferred again the settlement of difficult problems;
and thirdly, the count-down of confidence locally might
have already started and any erosion of local confidence
night jeopardise negotiations between HMG, China and Hong
Kong. The LPS acknowledged these points, but believed
the message had finally got through to the Chinese.
were aware that not only must they not undermine local
confidence, but must positively bolster it.
*
They
/P.7