HIGA) Thanks. He
Parvati Sepmsary has already done so
with
to rec
neish to
The SECRET
in
M. Sifs may husaday's
Mecachach
'is' ODK unting
mind.
Sir P Cradock
Private Secretary
24h
FROM:
R D CLIFT
DATE: 23 February 1984
Pou (12)
Di Pafur
си
pa
2ylv
cc: Mr Donald
+IKK040/23
Dr Wilson, SEBECEIVED IN
PAR 1984
RISIN
FUTURE OF HONG KONG:
ASSESSMENT OF PUBLIC OPINION
1 I attach a telegram from Hong Kong giving an assessment of public opinion in Hong Kong in light of recent speculation about the future of Hong Kong. There are some important points to
note:
(a)
(b)
(c)
(a)
(e)
2.
most people in Hong Kong now accept inevitability of resumption of Chinese sovereignty in 1997. There is an air of resignation, though not of satisfaction;
they are perplexed at HMG's failure to comment on the talks in view of Chinese propaganda and British press stories;
at senior levels very few people place confidence in China's assurances of continuity. People who cannot leave hope that HMG will find a way of keeping the Chinese to their promise;
at lower levels there is less discussion;
despite the uncertainty, economic indicators have shown improvement.
This reinforces our opinion that the majority of Hong Kong people would at least tolerate a return of sovereignty to China, if we can build in sufficient assurances.
3.
The Hong Kong telegram has been sent to Singapore for Mr Luce's party to pick up.
Бир
23 February 1984
R D Clift
Hong Kong Department
SECRET