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CONFIDENTIAL
CENTRAL/WANCHAI RECLAMATION PROJECT
Redacted
under FOI exemption 27(1)
We and the Hong Kong Government will be doing all we can to restore confidence as part of our responsibility to maintain the stability and prosperity of Hong Kong.
One important way in which confidence can be sustained is by the
Hong Kong Government pressing forward with new infrastructure
projects.
Central/Wanchai Reclamation Project is a good example of this: will provide much needed land for commercial, office and transport
use: key component of Hong Kong's continuing economic success.
Nothing would be better for confidence in Hong Kong than to make
an early announcement that the Project was going ahead.
Conversely, nothing would be more damaging to confidence than if
it were to become known that the Project had been suspended or
delayed because of objections from China.
Must stress that
decisions will need to be taken before end of year.
(Defensive: if Qian insists that PLA will be stationed in Hong Kong
after 1997 and have the right to decide location)
Recognise that as sovereign power China has right to station
troops in Hong Kong.
But in present circumstances important to take account of deeply felt concerns in Hong Kong about PLA presence there after 1997.
Need to distinguish Central/Wanchai Reclamation Project from
general principle of stationing troops in Hong Kong. Look to Chinese to show understanding of urgent need to press ahead with
project,
BOPAAE
CONFIDENTIAL