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Chapter 21
Observations by AS(CA)2/CAB
General Impressions
On the whole, the visit was a
worthwhile and
interesting one.
The Chinese had gone out of their way to
ensure that we had a confortable and happy trip. Most of
officials we met were friendly and inquisitive
the Chinese
However, most
about the way of life in Hong Kong.
displayed a general lack of understanding of how our
governmental and economic systems work. They were also
cautious in giving only very factual information
related to their work during briefings, and were generally
evasive over more probing questions.
very
2.
Officials of the HKMAO, State Council were the
only exception from the above.
Guangming and Xu Ze were
matters, and were
contentious issues.
Wang Fengchao, Chen
all knowledgeable on Hong Kong
frank and open even on the more
It was clear, over the various dinners
that their intention was to pass a
the HK delegation: we were assured
arranged by HKMAO,
number of messages to
that the CPG had no intention to change the civil service
structure after 1997, but were given a clear indication
that civil servants
aspiring for posts specified in BL101