TNAG-1236-FCO40-1549-Future-of-Hong-Kong-1983 — Page 93

FCO, Mr. R. Hoare

Circulation : COM, DC, AC/HQ, SAO/HQ, SLO, PO, SA, CLO, file.

:

CHINESE PRESS (EUROPEAN EDITIONS)

REVIEW

A Summary of Reports of Interest

8th February, 1983

Translation

Extract from WEN WEI PO (European Edition)

dated 7th February, 1983.

At the spring festival party held on 4th February, the Chinese Ambassador, Mr Ke Hua, talked about the present situation in China and its political, economic and other achievements since the Third National People's Congress. He pointed out that the joint effort of the Chinese people and the support of the overseas compatriots were essential in making China a prosperous and strong state.

On the future of HK, Mr Ke stressed that the sover- eignty over HK belongs to China and this would be recovered in 1997 since HK is part of the undividable territory of China. After the recovery of HK, movements similar to the Big Leap Forward or the Cultural Revolution will not happen in HK. Beijing's policy towards HK is:-

1)

the social system in HK will remain unchanged, and the properties and assets of the HK people and foreign investors will be protected;

2)

there will be no changes in the life style of the HK people; and

3) HK's position as an international financial centre and free port will remain unchanged.

He said that HK would be administered by the HK people and not by someone sent from Beijing. In essence, the two underlying principles of Beijing are that the sovereignty over HK must be recovered and that the prosperity and stab- ility there must be maintained.