Editorials
· 3
-
Mr. Nott's remarks on the next Governor and an additional Gurkha battalion for Je territory prompted editorial comments from four Chinese papers.
The Centre Daily News (1.10.81), Sing Tao Wan Pao (1.10.81) and Kung Sheung Evening News (1.10.81) were all convinced that there was no need to boost the garrison forces in Hong Kong because it would only add to the defence bill for local residents. Sing Tao and Kung Sheung noted that the strength of the current British forces stationed here was sufficient to combat illegal immigration as the number of illegal arrivals had dropped drastically since the change of the reached base policy.
Together with Kung Sheung, the Centre Daily News argued that Hong Kong people were now more concerned with the economy rather than with the illegal influx. And as Hong Kong's stability depended on China's relations with Britain and with the territory, one more Gurkha battalion would not be of any help should anything (such as an offensive by China) really happen, the paper argued.
Sing Tao took a step further by saying that Britain should meet most of the upkeep of the garrison because it had a responsibility to protect Hong Kong.
On the issue of the next Governor, the Centre Daily News maintained that the British Government's caution in selecting a candidate was in the interest of the majority of local residents. The paper speculated that Sir Murray's office would be extended for a few more months in the interim period.
Ming Pao (3.10.81) hoped Britain would take into consideration the needs and wishes of residents here in selecting a candidate for the next Governor. The next Governor should be one who was ready to strive to improve the well-being of residents and seek to maintain stability and prosperity, which in turn would help solve the problem of the NT lease, the paper contended.
Distribution:
S for I (Attn. Mr. R.C. Masefield)
D.I.S.
(3 copies, with enclosure of cuttings)
D.D.I.S.
AD/PPR
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.