TNAG-1170-FCO40-1450-Future-of-Hong-Kong-1982 — Page 11

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10(c). If projected to 3.2 million of people aged 20 years or over, 93.4% means 2.98 million.

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Para. 17 of the finding sets out the reason of those who hope to stay in Hong Kong and give various reasons for such wishes. In para. 19 it shows that 86% of adults in Hong Kong prefer to live in Hong Kong rather than in China. In para. 24 under the heading "LIKES/DISLIKES ABOUT THE HONG KONG AND CHINA SYSTEMS" it compares the Hong Kong system with the Chinese system, economically, politically and in life style.

In para. 26, 27, 28 and 29 it analyses the comparison in detail. Another table under the heading of "HONG KONG AND CHINA'S FREEDOM" shows a comparison of various aspects such as freedom of speech, freedom of religion, freedom of residence, freedom of choice of work and personal liberty. From this table it shows that in regard to the freedom of choice of work in China only 11% expressed it was enough whilst 59% said it was not enough. In regard to other types of freedom the great majority said it was not enough in China.

12(a). According to a report by Associated Press published in Hong Kong on 7th April 1982, the former British Prime Minister Mr. Edward Heath had a brief discussion in Peking with Communist Party Vice-Chairman, Mr. Deng Xiaoping, on Hong Kong and he told Mr. Deng the time had come for the Chinese to think about Hong Kong's future seriously. A clipping of the newspaper report is attached hereto.

12(b). Subsequently upon his arrival at Hong Kong, Mr. Heath was interviewed by the Television Broadcasts Ltd., he said that Mr. Deng agreed with him on his suggestion, that is the time had come for the Chinese to think seriously about Hong Kong's future. 12(c). However as far as discussion on Hong Kong's future between the two Governments is concerned, the farthest the British Government can go is, as Mr. Heath put it, to request the Chinese Government to think seriously about Hong Kong's future, it will be awful indeed for the British Government to go any further such as to put up a solid proposition to the Chinese Government.

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