TNAG-0752-FCO40-956-Future-of-Hong-Kong-1979 — Page 245

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REASSURANCES

An article by Mr. Li Chiang, the Chinese Minister of Foreign Trade appeared in the October issue of the "Red Flag" in which he reiterated China's view on Hong Kong as being part of Chinese territory under temporary British administration and that Hong Kong was a legacy from the past to be resolved at the appropriate time.

Between October 15-22, most local newspapers commented on this article. They said the article had revealed that Hong Kong and Macau occupied an important position in Chinese policy and that the provision of supplies to these two places had been listed as "one of the eight important tasks for China."

The NEW EVENING POST (October 15) commenting on the remark by Mr. Li Chiang that "China would resolve the historical problem of Hong Kong and Macau in an appropriate manner when conditions are ripe" said "No time table has been set because conditions are not yet right."

MING PAO (October 17) said that the question of supplying products to Hong Kong and Macau was a political one and as long as present Chinese policy remained unchanged, the position of Hong Kong and Macau would also remain unchanged.

The paper said there had been concern over China raising the standard of living for its people as it might have limited supplies to Hong Kong but indications were that this would not happen; in fact the supplies were to be increased.

WAH KIU MAN PO (October 18) said "as long as supplies from China are stable, the cost of living here will be maintained at a reasonable level."

TA KUNG PAO (October 20) said "prospects for the supply of Chinese commodities to Hongkong are bright. China's export of her industrial goods is going to have a prominent increase, and an increase in variety and in quantity of such goods is discernible."

The paper quoted comments by Mr. Tang Ping-ta, Chairman of the Chinese General Chamber of Commerce on Mr. Li Chiang's article. He said the article had listed eight questions about foreign trade, and specified the correct ways of handling it. He noted that in the article, particular mention was made of supply of goods to Hong Kong and Macau and of the need to work well to "actively expand such supplies."

Mr. Tang said, “residents in these areas have been elated and businessmen who

deal with Chinese goods have gained even greater confidence."

In the EXPRESS and SING TAO WAN PAO (October 21 & 22), Szema Cheung Fung, a China affairs expert, said from an economic point of view he thought China would consider settling the question of Hong Kong and Macau only when its four modernisations were fulfilled, which would take at least 30 to 40 years to complete.

Ma Pan, a noted commentator on international affairs, however, said political considerations were more important and that Hong Kong would be a valuable asset to China as long as the question of Taiwan remained to be settled.

The Express in its editorial said the people of Hong Kong can rest assure that they will receive an uninterrupted supply of Chinese products in the years ahead.

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