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OTHER ITEMS:
Intellectuals' views important: In a feature on 29 January, Ming Pao quoted the British news media saying that as far as the HK issue was concerned, the Prime Minister's office recently attached importance to views expressed by middle class people in HK. particularly intellectuals. These people were well educated, but not qualified for migration to other countries. They could influence the public and play a positive role in stabilising HK's prosperity and stability. The rest of the article contained a refutation from a former Foreign Secretary of criticism of the Foreign Office.
ATV reports on UK comments: Wen Wei Po reported prominently two ATV reports on its front page. The first was about a resolution adopted by the HK Students' Association in Britain at its annual meeting urging Britain to return sovereignty to China. The association represented 3 000 students in Britain. The second story was about an assertion by the Labour Party's deputy Foreign Affairs spokesman, Mr. Roland Moyle, who was quoted saying Britain must recognise China's stand on sovereignty in the talks. He also said that a premature statement would do more harm than good. On the Chinese channel he was additionally reported to have said that although HK people had the ability to run the territory, as little change as possible was the best solution.
Jitters will fade: A number of papers picked up a report in a Chinese official newspaper, the "Economic Daily", which said jittery feelings in HK would gradually disappear as HK's prospects became clearer. It blamed the current economic slump in HK on worldwide
recession.
Chinese team to visit HK: Kung Sheung Daily News and Oriental Daily News
reported that a Chinese delegation comprising at least five members would visit HK to see the local situation. The Oriental Daily News said unconfirmed reports had said it would be a high-powered delegation representing the Chinese Government. They were invited here by a wealthy businessman and would stay in a luxury hotel in Tsim Sha Tsui East. They would meet people from all walks of life and hear their views on HK's future. Kung Sheung's article said reports on HK's future compiled by HK Government officials for the British government were designed to please them and not reflect the real situation. These senior officials would all retire before 1997 and their only concern was whether they would get their pensions.
Senior HK Government officials staying put: 'Between these Columns' in the SCMP
on 29 January revealed that Mr. David Akers-Jones and Mr. Ian Macpherson had bought property in HK, whereas with the uncertainty of HK's future very much in people's minds a fair number of local residents were exploring the possibility of emigrating abroad. The item was picked up in two Chinese newspapers.
Jaycees programme looking at future: The SCMP of 31 January announced a programme of seminars, displays and conferences on the territory's future from July 10 – 17. Topics will include investment in overseas property, the future of HK industry, the role of banking in the local economy and economic trends.
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