nner of execution
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Britain and Hong Kong do not ve any choice agreement not explicit, who can say if it should be accepted - what else can we do invade China the alternative is complete absorbtion into China it cannot be rejected - better accept what is known than have an unknown dictated it is a declaration faith must be placed in Peking as Britain can do nothing after 1997-Implementation is inevitable..-not acceptable until certain issues have been clarified by whom yes, under threat of no agreement consultation before initialling may have meant something what would the effect of refusal be this question is meaningless in view of the state of negotations the British shouldn't have given HK away to PRC its not up to us anything except acceptance is a waste of time opinion on this point is meaningless if HK said no, it would nevertheless be implemented HK should be independent as Singapore rejection prolongs uncertainty and instability inadequate but now no alternative.
2.
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DO YOU THINK THAT THE DRAFT AGREEMENT IS ADEQUATE TO MAINTAIN CONFIDENCE?
The survey results show a distinct 'yes' to this question. The oldest permanent and pensionable group responded most positively. A significant portion of agreement officers did not think the agreement was adequate to maintain confidence.
GROUP
YES%
NO%
P42-
72.2
14.8
13.0
DNK% TOTAL
54
P43+
75.5
15.7
8.8
102
Average
74.3
15.4
10.3
156
A42-
62.3
23.9
13.8
159
A43+
64.8
22.7
12.5
88
A?
59.2
32.6
8.2
49
Average
62.5
25.0
12.5
296
Overall
66.6
21.7
11.7
452
Average
Remarks included the following:-
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SA
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No guarantee no confidence in PRC's ability to stand by the agreement for the short term OK more uncertainty will develop perhaps as more details are made clear in the long term no depends on how it is implemented - could be improved China will infiltrate stability yes, because this is police state prosperity no, because capital has been moved out longago-continuity no, because quasi democratic status, the Jockey Club party, the landlords party, the Umelco party adequate for the next 3-7 years may be different after that if it is honoured depends on basic law actions speak louder than words self interest is the dominant factor, adequate is as good as possible the agreement is not sufficient on its own whether it will work or not will not be known until after 1997 – looks as if it might be if maintained in word and spirit - depends on the chair- man in China depends on trust, the land issue, nationality issue, taxation and basic law will be major factors the least that could be obtained in the circumstances if HK makes it clear that stability is in PRC's prime interest many fuzzy areas promises may
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not be kept, e.g. Tibet – defence and stationing of troops not sufficiently detailed confidence is a fickle thing many unanswered questions - further assurances needed open to interpretation only, known in the long term when deterioration will be revealed no, judging by the quality and conduct of mainland officials already in HK foreign national investing in HK in the hope of capitalising on the China market will be a booster with no agreement there would be much less only for the next 10 years look at the stock market and land prices intellectuals and professionals will stay as long as it is financially advantageous, investors will make a quick killing and with draw depends on conduct of parties drafting the Basic Law who drafts the Basic Law - local Hong Kong people are worried about their futures – whose confidence, internal or external not by itself PRC will control land which affects revenue which affects development subject to stability in China confidence depends on person and situation if accepted and HK works positively and contributes to Chinese modernisation and PRC learns about HK through the Joint Liaison group, it will work Ithe confidence today is very thin there are too many unanswered questions — it will take time to gain confidence is it believable as far as it goes - it doesn't matter what I think, I don't influence confidence in HK
how do you assess confidence - most want to migrate so confidence must be low ideological and political instability in China's recent history don't assure much provided HK people accept it confidence depends on stable and democratic government beyond 1997 not without supportive action China's ability doubtful many feel betrayed by expatriates ratification should help assuage fears the handover of Hong Kong to Peking will undermine confidence, the agreement makes no difference - Chinese leaders stance a key issue would you trust a communist with your future implementation may cause loss of confidence history shows that agreements are worthless without goodwill no one can say having witnessed the results of the British foreign policies in four other ex colonies I have no confidence in our negotiators and time will show all confidence will slip away -- as long as no political adverse change in China - local people think China won't keep its word - internationally investors will have confidence until some thing goes wrong - local people and money will flee O.K. providing current euphoria is maintained - there will always be doubts it depends what happens in PRC between now and 1997 – except for stationing of PLA · except for certain minorities who have justificable worries if a sufficient number of people also over nationality agree at least for the majority depends on local enterprises – I sure hope so depends on sincerity of Chinese government - no more meaningful assurances can be given depends on the behaviour of all parties drowning man will cling at a straw-proof of the pudding is in the eating - it will keep things ticking over -- confidence is only maintained by reinvestment and a stable administration as much as confidence can be maintained with all the uncontrollable imponderables as a start OK actions like Jardines move to Bermuda didn't help some minorities don't think so provided present systems of administration are retained professionals will try to get out to protect their families intangible concept if the government works hard to be effective
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I expect the job creators to go then the problems will
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