TNAG-1246-FCO40-1560-Press-reports-on-the-future-of-Hong-Kong-1983 — Page 104

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The Times second editorial on 6 January was "Talking about Hong Kong". It contrasted the silence of British Ministers since the Prime Minister's visit with statements made by Chinese officials, and speculated on possible proposals considered by Britain. It concluded: "It is with the people of HK that Britain's moral responsibility lies." A copy is attached.

ITEMS:

1.

GOVERNOR TO VISIT LONDON:

Prominence was given to an announcement that the Governor, Sir Edward Youde, would leave for London on 21 January for talks. He returns on 29 January. This will be the Governor's third trip to London since May. Most independent papers reported that his trip would centre on discussions on HK's future with the Prime Minister, Mrs. Thatcher, and senior British officials. Some further press speculation was prompted Sing Pao, Financial Daily and the Centre Daily News said Sir Edward might prepare himself for the decisive round in March. Quoting an FCO source, Sing Tao Jih Pao said a decision on whether he would take part in the talks would be announced after he had met Mrs. Thatcher. The source said members of the Anglo-HK Parliamentary Group and the FCO hoped that Sir Edward would represent HK in the talks. The Oriental Daily News wondered whether he would meet the Chinese Ambassador in London, Mr. Ke Hua, who has been tipped to take over from Mr. Wang Kuang as first director of HK Branch of Xinhua News Agency. While the Standard reported the visit without comment, the SCMP said it was believed he would have routine talks on the subject of 1997 with the FCO and possibly with Mrs. Thatcher. The Post said Sir Edward was also tipped to visit Beijing later this year Lunar New Year for more discussions on HK's future.

probably after the

2.

MEETING POINT:

A new pressure group, composed of 35 professionals, has taken the line that HK is part of China. The group, Meeting Point, held a seminar on its inauguration on 9 January, which was widely covered in the media. The group's paper, calling for an elected municipal council and Chinese as the main teaching medium in HK, will be sent to the HK Government and the NCNA. The group's vice-chairman, Mr. Yeung Sum, said the paper was controversial and the group was testing reaction to it through contact with various community groups. A main aim of Meeting Point, he said, was to reflect views about HK's future through organised activities and to exchange these with the Chinese Government. Four groups would look into legal and economic aspects of HK, its social service and political system. HK's self-administrative role after China regained sovereignty should be reflected in China's Constitution, but HK's foreign affairs should be taken up by China's State Council. HK would retain its independent judiciary. Legco would become a municipal council with an unofficial majority elected by the public. The chairman, who would be a representative of the Chinese People's Congress, would be elected by the council's members. But the head position in HK would be the Mayor, who would be elected by the public. He would nominate the heads of departments and their appointments would be approved by the municipal council. District administration would be expanded to give the public a bigger role in local affairs. HK

CONFIDENTIAL