TNAG-1245-FCO40-1559-Press-reports-on-the-future-of-Hong-Kong-1983 — Page 55

RESTRICTED

3

-

In an interview with ATV-English "Newsline" on 15 May, the chairman of the Building Contractors' Association, and CPPCC member, Mr. Ho Sai-chu, said China was putting more people from HK into the CPPCC because it wanted to know more about the real situation here and to get more advice on ways and means to maintain the territory's stability and prosperity. He had accepted the CPPCC appointment in the hope that he could give proper advice on how to solve the 1997 question.

In reply to a question on whether his duty towards the CPPCC might in future come into conflict with his official appointments in the HK Government, Mr. Ho said he had not gone that far into the regulations and constitution in connection with the CPPCC seat; but whatever the case, his priority would be to do his best to resolve the problems facing HK. He believed that as both China and Britain had indicated their wish to preserve HK's stability and prosperity, there should not be a time when he would be forced to choose between serving the local government and the Chinese authorities.

A number of academics and a UC Councillor commented on the appointments. Dr. Joseph Cheng of CU said China was trying to create the impression that people who were trusted by the HK Government would also be trusted by the Chinese Government by appointing former Legco members, professionals and bankers to the CPPCC. The move also aimed at conveying the message that the status quo would remain unchanged on reversion of sovereignty. Urban Councillor, Dr. Denny Huang, saw the move as a gesture by China to get co-operation and support from local community leaders. He believed the move would, to a certain extent, affect the Sino-British talks because, as more and more people pledged their support of China's sovereignty claim over HK, the British Government would be in a much more difficult negotiating position. Dr. Norman Miners of HKU believed the appointments were only a gesture to show that all the people of China were united, including those in HK and Taiwan. He did not think the move had any significance at all as far as the 1997 talks were concerned. Dr. John Young of HKU's Extramural Department said the CPPCC had a lot to do with the unification of China. People who were appointed to the CPPCC in fact recognised that the People's Republic of China was the only legitimate government of China.

Mr. K.S. Lo said his appointment to the CPPCC did not constitute a breach of allegiance to the Queen which he pledged when he was appointed a Legco member. He said what he had done in the past while serving in Legco and Urbco and what he would do in the future had been and would be for the people of HK.

In reply to press queries, a Government spokesman said the appointment of two former Legco members to the CPPCC was a matter for the individuals concerned. A Ta Kung Pao commentator said a wider representation from HK to discuss the future of the territory would ensure that views of local residents were properly reflected. He considered the return of HK to the motherland as part of the noble mission of the unification of China.

RESTRICTED

·