TNAG-1231-FCO40-1544-Visit-by-Richard-Luce--Minister-of-State-for-Foreign-and-Com-1983 — Page 56

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On October 7, many papers quoted a strongly-worded commentary in Renmin Ribao which accused Mr. Luce of criticising China for commenting on Britain's stand on the Hong Kong question and for breaching the confidentiality agreement. While the leading lett-wing Press carried the full text of the commentary, the independent papers gave it routine coverage.

Public Comments

The statements made by Mr. Luce at the news conference drew unfavourable comments from a lecturer of the University of Hong Kong, Dr. Victor Sit.

In interviews with the Financial Daily and the leading left-wing Wen Wei Po published on September 30, Dr. Sit criticised Mr. Luce for accusing China of launching a propaganda offensive. China was simply stating its well-known policy of regaining sovereignty and administrative right over Hong Kong after 1997, he said.

Quoting a researcher at the University's Centre of Asian Studies, Mr. Leo Goodstadt, the Financial Daily said Mr. Luce's visit was aimed at putting across to Hong Kong people the message that Britain would do its utmost for the territory. But, whether Mr. Luce's pledge would help alleviate residents' worries about their future remained to be seen, Mr. Goodstadt added.

However, some members of the business community were encouraged by Mr. Luce's reiteration of Britain's commitment to Hong Kong and stand on the talks. This reiteration would definitely restore the confidence of Hong Kong people, who had been worried that Britain might betray their interests for its own economic gains, the Financial Daily reported.

Editorials

More than 15 papers in some 20 editorials expressed diverse views on the visit by the Minister of State at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office responsible for Hong Kong. Mr. Richard Luce. Most of them concentrated on Mr. Luce's remarks made at a Press conference on September 28.

Wah Kiu Yat Po (29.9.83) said Mr. Luce had renewed Hong Kong people's confidence by reiterating Britain's stand on the Hong Kong issue and by emphasising Britain's Jum of finding a solution acceptable to the people of Hong Kong, to the British Parliament and to the Government of China. The people of Hong Kong would not forget Mr. Luce's pledge that their wishes would be taken' into account in the talks, the paper said.

Summing up Mr. Luce's points made at the Press conference, the Hong Kong Daily News (30.9.83) said many people would agree that Mr. Luce's remarks were aimed at the long-term interests of Britain, China and Hong Kong. Analysing Mr. Luce's statements. the paper believed it was Britain's policy "at this stage" to seek to maintain its presence in Hong Kong beyond 1997.

Ming Pao (29.9.83) agreed with Mr. Luce that in finding a solution to the Hong Kong question, both Britain and China should tolerate each other's difference of view and should seek common ground. This view was shared by Sing Tao Jih Pao (30.9.83).