UNCLASSIFIED
24 April
Airport
5 April
22 April
24 April
Zhou Nan :"It seems that the talks will be very difficult. But as long as both sides are equally sincere, it will not be difficult to reach agreement.
I myself am cautiously optimistic about the prospects for the talks." Hong Kong telno 642
Lu Ping quoted int he Express as saying that the idea of Hong Kong managing Huangtian airport was just a thought without details. The proposal was still being examined and he restated the Chinese position of supporting the new airport and abiding strictly by the MOU. Hong Kong telno 565
Li Peng quoted as expressing support for the airport, but financial arrangements still needed to be discussed. Hong Kong telno 625
Wang Qiren (Deputy Director HKMO) quoted as saying that the new airport was very important for Hong Kong if it was to maintain its stability and prosperity. the British should make a new financial proposal in accordance with the MOU as soon as possible. Hong Kong telno 660
Through Train
10 April
13 April
19 April
Chen Zuoer (HKMO) quoted as saying that whether there would be a through train in 1997 2would depend on British sincerity. Hong Kong telno 572
BL drafter Wu Jianfan quoted in Ming Pao as saying that a decision on whether or not a person could be deemed as upholding the BL (for the purposes of the through train) should only be taken after long, detailed and specific observation. He thought that not all the members of the Hong Kong alliance could be said to be not upholding the BL, they should be considered on a case by case basis. Kong telno 572
Hong
Lu Ping quoted as telling District Board Chairmen that members of the future SAR legislature had not only to abide by the BL but also to uphold it. Everyone would have to abide by the BL whether they agreed with it or not. The Chinese hoped no one would have to get off the through train but this would have to be confirmed by the preparatory committee. Hong Kong telno 629
UNCLASSIFIED