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on new (green seal) Chinese arrivals, undergrads/post-secondary students, NT villagers, and the general public. Majority did not want China to take back HK and prefer UK to administer HK after 1997. Financial Daily quoted Peking sources as saying that HK and Macau have been put on a map showing China's special economic zones. The paper thought this meant China had no intention to resume HK in the short term. HK Observers in letter to SCMP (July 28) said vague statements by Peking were not good enough and that HK people should have a say in system of government after 1997. There was a report that Guangdong intends to withdraw its border check points 7 kilometres back to facilitate access by HK people to Shenzhen special zone. This was however seen as an arrangement for economic and not political reasons. Reports that the government is now studying the feasibility of building the replacement airport at Deep Bay close to the border led to positive comments in the Chinese press about HK': s future. Comments by Mr Alfred Sherman (described by the press as "the speech writer of Mrs Thatcher", although he said he was speaking for himself) at FCC that HK people will have to fend for themselves provoked criticism that Britain is not concerned about HK. There were continued comments on HK's future, (in some cases linked to the development of Special Economic Zones across the border) by vocal academics and "opinion-makers", and in editorials. In a letter to SCMP on September 4, HK Observers, commenting on the civil service's localisation policy, said unease over HK's future could be one reason why capable local people prefer the private sector. called for definite statements soon to dispel their fears.
The comments made by Deng during Lord Carrington's visit were consistent with assurances given by Chinese authorities at all levels and with her current policies and modernisation programmes. Judging from recent statements by prominent investors such as Sir Y.K. Pao and the HK Bank Chairman, 'confidence' in HK does not appear to be a major problem. HK/China relations have never been better.
They
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The number of border crossings continued to decline from last November until March. There was an upsurge in April due to an improvement in the weather, the spreading of rumours of an impending amnesty and the increased activities of forged ID card racketeers. Numbers subsequently declined (no. repatriated in Jan. 784, Feb. 416, March 968, April 1,636, May 1,273, June 920, July 705, Aug. 907). Still no firm evidence of submerged society. Wanderers Association (the association applied for but was refused registration because of its Taiwan links) only opposition group but now not active. illegal immigrant using a forged ID card was given a suspended sentence on June 30. An ID card forger got four years on July 17. No chance of amnesty. Effectiveness of policy evidenced by new arrivals giving themselves up after failing to obtain a job and other services. Legislation proposing heavy fines on ID card forgers was recently passed. Plans in hand for new, more secure ID card. Courts have warned of tougher sentences re: forgeries. No let-up in detection measures.
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