1990-09-21 16:32 BRITISH TRADE COMMISSION
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A SUMMARY OF CHINESE PRESS COMMENTARIES ON LORD CAITHNESS'S VISIT PREPARED BY THE BRITISH TRADE COMMISSION IN HONG KONG
21 September 1990
Some Chinese newspapers such as Ming Pao Daily News, Wah Kiu Yat Po, Hong Kong Economic Times interviewed a number of Legco members for their comments on the new Minister.
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Mr Peter Poon Wing-cheung said he feels Lord Caithness is a layman in Hong Kong affairs. However, since the new Minister shows very deep concern at the territory he believes Lord Caithness will have progress in future. He wishes HMG can give Lord Caithness the opportunity to know more about Hong Kong. thinks the frequent changes of the Ministers with responsibility for Hong Kong is not a good arrangement.
He
Mrs Peggy Lám shares Mr Poon's view that Lord Caithness has deep concern over Hong Kong and understands the problems local people facing.
Mr Chung Pui-lam said Lord Caithness gave him an impression that he has tried to know more about Hong Kong and has put much effort on this attempt.
Mr Hul
Mr Hui Yin-fat said he cannot give any comment on the new Minister because he had only met him for a short while. thinks the frequent changes of British Ministers with responsibility for Hong Kong is an evidence to prove Britain does not take Hong Kong affairs seriously. He said he and his colleague should direct Hong Kong people's worries to the new Minister.
Only Hong Kong Economic Journal published a roundup commentary on Lord Caithness's visit on its own. In its daily column on Hong Kong affairs - "The Pulse of Hong Kong" the writer quoted a Legco member's personal comment on Lord Caithness saying that one cannot say Lord Caithness is not astute; he is much better than Lord Glenarthur, one of his predecessors from the House of Lords.
Hong Kong people's comment upon Lord Glenarthur is rather bad. They call him "flower pot" which refers to someone who looks good but not practically useful. Local people think Francis Maude, the Minister who took up the post last year, is astute and capable. In terms of appearance, Lord Caithness is unable to compete with his two predecessors. His typical smiling face make people feel his is very naive, or even ignorant and of low IQ.
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