else. Many people in Hong Kong identified with it. There were demonstrations of unprecedented size, characterised by an orderliness and good nature which were a tribute to the responsibility of the community.
The suppression of the Peking demonstrations on June 4 had a traumatic effect on Hong Kong. This was intensified by unbroken television coverage. For many days there was an atmosphore of deep disillusion and despair. Four months have passed; but the emotional impact of June 4 will be with us for some time.
Economically the impact was short and sharp.
Equities lost 30% of their value. Property prices dropped between 10 and 20 per cent. Consumer sales fell. Hotel
occupancy and tourist sales suffered from a wholesale
cancellation of China tours.
There were
There was another more worrying reaction. Long
queues formed outside foreign consulates in Hong Kong as people sought application forms for emigration. strong calls on the United Kingdom to grant right of abode
to the people of HK.
But Hong Kong is a very resilient place. Since
June 4 we have been picking up the pieces. Some examples
will show what I mean :