TNAG-1246-FCO40-1560-Press-reports-on-the-future-of-Hong-Kong-1983 — Page 116

布政司署

香港下亞畢道

RESTRICTED

GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT

LOWER ALBERT ROAD

HONG KONG

** Our REF.:SCR 2/1162/82

來函檔號 YOUR REF.:

W. Morris, Esq,

HKGD,

FCO.

Dear Warwick

HIKKO 40/2

9 FEB 1983

24 1

KIM AF 192

3 February 1983

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Future of Hong Kong: Press Coverage

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In addition to the points covered in telegrams, there one or two developments in the Chinese propaganda campaign of which you should be aware.

2.

The Ta Kung Pao has begun to publish a series of inter- views with supposedly neutral people designed to reinforce the message that no-one has anything to fear from recovery of sovereignty by China. Those interviewed thus so far include a Catholic priest; Martin Lee, QC, a prominent Hong Kong lawyer; Mr. Fung King-hey and Mr. Deacon Chiu. The Catholic priest expressed straightforward support for China's position over sovereignty. Martin Lee is quoted as proposing that the Supreme Court of Appeal should be transferred to Hong Kong and as worrying about whether the Chinese and British governments would be able to reach a satisfactory agreement on Hong Kong's future. I suspect, but I cannot prove, that this article (and possibly some of the others) may be selective. We are seeking to discover directly from those interviewed whether the Ta Kung Pao articles did them justice.

3.

Fung King-hey and Deacon Chiu are both quoted as expressing optimism in Hong Kong's future and confidence that the economic prospects are bright. Deacon Chiu was particularly fulsome in his praise of China's pragmatic approach to the Hong Kong problem.

4.

•

The Wen Wei Po has begun inviting guest writers to contribute articles on the development of Hong Kong, particularly in the social field. Constributors so far have apparently found it necessary to preface their thoughts on educational and social policy with endorsement of the Chinese position on sovereignty.

Yours ever,

Richard

(R P Margolis)

Deputy Political Adviser

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cc R N Peirce Esq PEKIN

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