CONFIDENTIAL
Media Summary on Hong Kong's Future
Period: January 4 10, 1983
INTRODUCTION:
The news that the Governor would visit London again on 21 January was prominently reported by the media. Some papers linked the trip to the possibility that Sir Edward might take part in the talks.
A new pressure group, Meeting Point, was inaugurated on 9 January. The group, comprised of intellectuals, says it aims to reflect views on HK's future through organised activities. It also made a number of self-rule propositions, some of which were similar to those outlined by China. The recommendations were supported by the left-wing press, but rejected by two independent papers.
During the week, left-wing papers attacked Britain's policy towards the Falklands. The New Evening Post said Britain's victory in the South Atlantic only aggravated the Falklands dispute, while Ta Kung Pao said Mrs. Thatcher's visit to the islands would provoke Argentina.
Kung Sheung Daily News and its sister paper, Kung Sheung Evening News, are jointly conducting a brief opinion poll on HK's future.
Macau and Portugual have joined other countries in wooing HK investments. A three-page advertisement was placed in major independent papers to promote the sale of a housing scheme on Taipa in Macau.
There has been more speculation that the HK Branch of Xinhua News Agency will undergo a major shake-up soon. A Wen Wei Po columnist described the reports as rumours fabricated by newsmongers.
Urban Council Chairman Mr. Hilton Cheong-leen made some suggestion on the sort of settlement he would hope to see after 1997.
Left-wing papers were active in speaking about the role China plays in maintaining HK's prosperity and stability. But there were fewer editorials on HK's future in the right-wing press. The Pai Shing Semi-monthly said the first informal contact on HK's future was made between Mr. Liao Chengzhi and the former Governor of HK, Lord MacLehose, in 1980.
A leader in the SCMP on Friday said the word freedom had surfaced again in HK because times had changed with China wishing to resume sovereignty. The New Evening Post responded the same day by saying the editorial was intended for the consumption of foreigners.
CONFIDENTIAL