TNAG-1245-FCO40-1559-Press-reports-on-the-future-of-Hong-Kong-1983 — Page 98

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(Last year, there were only 20 HK and Macau delegates to the CPPCC). They included prominent local businessmen, Messrs. Henry Fok, Deacon Chiu, T.K. Ann, Gordon Wu, Ho Sai-chu, K.S. Lo, Wang Kuancheng and Kenneth Fung (son of Sir P.F. Fung); the first director of Xinhua, Mr. Wang Kuang; the director of Wen Wei Po, Mr. Li Zisung; the chief editor of Ta Kung Pao, Mr. Li Xiawan; and the general manager of the HK Branch of the Bank of China, Mr. Chiang Wenqui.

Ta Kung Pao noted that of the 47 delegates only 44 were listed under the group of "Compatriots in HK and Macau”, while a woman delegate, Ms So Mou-chi, was included in the group of women representatives and Mr. Ma Man-kei and Mr. Ng Ping Cheong were included in the list of the All-China Federation of Commerce and Industry representatives. The paper also pointed out that two HK residents, Mr. Ko Chiao-hung and Mr. Kwok Tsang-hoi, who were also elected to the CPPCC, were not included in the list of delegates released by

Xinhua.

In an interview with Wen Wei Po, Mr. T.K. Ann said he would do his best to ensure the development of closer links between HK and China on commercial, economic and cultural aspects. He would also reflect views of local people to the appropriate authorities. Another member, retired HKU professor, Prof. Ma Meng, said he was proud to be serving HK people in the CPPCC. He would put forward views to the Chinese authorities particularly about education. It was the wish of HK residents to maintain stability, but as a Chinese he considered that the question of sovereignty was not negotiable. Mr. Ng Tor Tai said enlargement of HK and Macau representation showed that Beijing attached importance to views expressed by the people of these two territories. Mr. Chuk Woon-fai, publisher of Wide Angle magazine, said the CPPCC was a consultative body without legislative power. Although there was enlarged HK and Macau representation, the percentage of members of HK and Macau regional committee elected to the CPPCC had been reduced from 60 pc to 40 pc.

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GOVERNOR CALLS FOR STEADY NERVE:

Speaking to the press following the opening of a water sports centre in Sai Kung on 3 May, the Governor called on the public "to be patient, believe in HK and keep your nerve" over the 1997 question. Sir Edward Youde was convinced that HK had bright prospects and there was no cause for a gloomy attitude. When he was asked about some press reports that China would not welcome him at the Sino-British talks, he said he had not heard anything from Beijing to that effect. Sir Edward reiterated that he would go to Beijing to join the talks when the time was appropriate; he also repeated that Britain had a very experienced Ambassador in Beijing, Sir Percy Cradock.

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