TNAG-1245-FCO40-1559-Press-reports-on-the-future-of-Hong-Kong-1983 — Page 50

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E. Lam of HK wrote that in the debate over HK's future, one should not forget the fundamental difference between HK and Taiwan. HK was China's beneficial tenant, whose usefulness could only be maintained by mutual goodwill. Any loss of confidence, even over a future concern, could have immediate repercussions, as demonstrated by recent events. Taiwan on the other hand was a belligerent province defended by half a million of its own troops.

A letter from W.K.E. Lamond, Research Officer of W.I. Carr Sons & Co., which appeared in the latest issue of the Far Eastern Economic Review, said HK and Taiwan were clearly economically the most successful territories in Beijing's definition of China; the Chinese Government was well aware that a collapse of confidence in HK would jeopardise most and possibly all its earnings from HK and would immediately retard China's modernisation

programme.

9.

OTHER ITEMS IN THE CHINESE LANGUAGE PRESS

Mr. Wang Kuang Leaving: The outgoing first director of Xinhua gave a farewell reception on May 26. This followed a reception given by the Governor in his honour on May 24. At the May 26 party, Mr. Wang said Hong Kong would make more rapid progress than other places because of its geographical location, sufficient investment funds and talents. His next posting would be announced after he returned to Beijing. He denied that he would become an assistant to Mr. Liao Chengzhi.

Mr. Clift's visit: Mr. Dick Clift in charge of General and HK affairs in the FCO returned to London on May 28 after a one-week visit. Sing Tao Jih Pao said he was a guest at Government House and had held at least three meetings with the Governor. He had also met the Chief Secretary and some department heads. Mr. Clift attended a district board meeting and the farewell reception hosted by First Director of Xinhua, Mr. Wang Kuang.

Student groups to visit Beijing and Taiwan: A delegation of the Chinese University's Students' Union will visit Taipei and Beijing to find out the difference in their living standards, the Oriental Daily News reported. The president of the union, Mr. Law Wing-sang, said the delegation would exchange views with leaders of the two places on political issues and HK's future. One group left for Taipei on May 26 and the other for Beijing on June 6.

Spring of China: Kung Sheung Daily News said The Spring of China had set up a branch office in Japan. Its correspondence address is P.O. Box 52 in Yokohama. The Spring of China was set up by a group of Chinese in the US with the aim of promoting democracy and human rights in China.

Ever Bright Corporation: Mr. Wang Guangying, Managing Director of Ever Bright and Violight corporations, has bought an office for HK$10 million in the Far East Financial Centre in Central. Mr. Wang said his two new companies would start doing business in one month.

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