CONFIDENTIAL
A Ta Kung Pao columnist later criticised Mrs. Thatcher's visit to the Falklands. From the Argentines viewpoint the visit was provocative. The trip might have some positive effects in the Government's campaign for re-election, but it would cause negative repurcussions internationally. Britain's economy was still in a slump and even the General who was responsible for engineering the assaults on the Falklands became unemployed following his retirement from the army. Though the Falklands victory gave the British people a big boost in morale, it failed to solve the economic problems facing the country.
4.
BRITAIN URGED TO MAKE KNOWN STAND:
A Wah Kiu Yat Po columnist Li Wen on 9 January urged Britain to make known its stand on the "HK people to administer HK" proposition which made the five million population here live under constant fear and bewilderment. Uncertainty over HK's future gave rise to speculation detrimental to HK's economy and trepidation among local residents. HK was slowly bleeding to death. If Britain agreed to the "self-rule" option, it should hand over HK to local residents at an early date so that HK could be freed from the curse of 1997. On the other hand, if Britain opposed the option, HK people should also be informed early so that they could have more time to assess the situation. The columnist earnestly hoped that Britain would value its 140-year relationship with HK and not betray the population here.
5.
PAPERS CONDUCT OPINION POLL:
Kung Sheung Daily News and its sister paper, Kung Sheung Evening News, are jointly carrying out an opinion poll among their readers on the future status of HK. The poll is conducted in the form of a questionnaire published in the papers. Respondents are asked to reply to two questions and return the completed form by 20 January. The first question asks what status for HK the respondent wishes to see upon expiry of the 1997 lease. Six choices are provided in the answer (1) maintaining the status quo; (2) sovereignty reverted to China, but Britain should continue its administration here for a longer period; (3) sovereignty reverted to China, and HK people to administer HK; (4) both sovereignty and administrative right be reverted to China; (5) HK to gain independence; and (6) HK to be placed under UN trusteeship. The second question is on whether a referendum should be held to determine HK residents' own fate. Three choice, (1) yes; (2) no; and (3) no comment, are provided in the answer.
6.
PORTUGAL WOOS HK INVESTMENT:
The Portuguese Investments Association, formed under the auspices of the Macau Governor and Trafalgar Housing of HK which is headed by Mr. John Wu, published a three- page advertisement promoting the sale of a housing scheme on Taipa in Macau by offering buyers and their families permanent residence in Portugual. The advertisement did not appear in all left-wing papers or the pro-Taiwan HK Times. A total of 58 HK sales agents, mainly share brokers including Sun Hung Kei Securities, have been appointed. It said the so-called Comprehensive Plan for Investment and Residence in Portugal was set up in accordance with a new investment law enacted in Portugual on 18 June, 1982. For a minimum fee of
CONFIDENTIAL