TNAG-1019-FCO40-1269-Relations-between-Hong-Kong-and-China-1981 — Page 86

SCR 1/4731/49

CONFIDENTIAL

NTIA

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НКК оголь

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RECEIVES IN ROSJIRY NO. 51

Record of Meeting between the Political Adviser and NCNA on 26 March 1981 at 11.30 a.m.

INDEX

PA

REGISTRY Action Taken

10

PA

And/4

:

Present:

Mr Li Jusheng

No 2 Director NCNA

Mr Pan Desheng NCNA

Mr Li Ruohe

Interpreter NCNA

Dr D C Wilson Political Adviser

Mr IC Orr

Assistant Political Adviser

NCNA Protest about film 'The Coldest Winter in Peking

Mr Li Jusheng said that he was calling about the film 'Huangtian houtu' He was speaking on instructions from Peking and from a prepared note:

2.

"The Coldest Winter in Peking' from Taiwan is an anti-communist political film. It is extremely reactionary. It not only viciously attacks and vilifies the leadership of the Chinese communist party but also uglifies and distorts our Socialist system. That the Hong Kong British Authorities approved such a film to be shown in Hong Kong is very unfriendly. We hope that the Hong Kong British Authorities will stop the film from being shown at once."

Mr Li said that he wished to add some background and comments on the subject. The NCNA's concern had been expressed on 17 March when Mr Pan rang Mr Orr; this concern was repeated on 18 March and Mr Pan subsequently called on Dr Wilson on 24 March to emphasise the dismay felt by the NCNA. The NCNA's thinking was based on the fact that relations between the UK and China and local relations in Hong Kong were very good. This had been shown in many meetings between leading Chinese officials and the Governor. At his speech to the meeting of Commonwealth University Vice-Chancellors, the Governor had expressed the good atmosphere which existed between Hong Kong and China. With Lord Carrington's imminent visit to Peking, this film presented a large probelm. The NCNA really could not understand the background to permission being given and Peking were also very surprised. They were not sure if this was something which stemmed from UK attitudes or if it was simply a decision by the Hong Kong British authorities. Recently KMT newspapers had played up the film and there had also been comments on it by the neutral press, such as the Ming Pao. The concern was not just a local one; however, many people from Chinese organizations in Hong Kong were worried about the effect which showing the film here would have.

3.

that

Dr Wilso said that he had already asked Mr Pan to call

morning and

it

preciseli WAS

no

film thin

the