TNAG-1246-FCO40-1560-Press-reports-on-the-future-of-Hong-Kong-1983 — Page 120

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INTRODUCTION:

CONFIDENTIAL

Media Summary on Hong Kong's Future

Period: 29 December, 1982 - 3 January, 1983

There was widespread editorial comment in the media about the year which had just ended and the one just begun. There were also interviews with local people about the subject. Most right-wing papers shared the view that the 1997 jitters and global recession had dealt a double blow to Hong Kong, but they were cautiously optimistic about the outlook for 1983.

Associated Press in a Washington despatch dated 31 December said China and Britain would soon reach an accord on HK's future, attributing this view to the US consul-general here. A HK Government spokesman described the report as speculative.

There was also some continuing speculation that China's Ambassador in London, Mr. Ke Hua, would take over as first director of the HK branch of Xinhua News Agency from Mr. Wang Kuang.

It was confirmed that a 15-member delegation from the Heung Yee Kuk would visit Beijing to discuss the future of HK from 10 - 19 January.

Last week, the first secretary of Guangdong, Mr. Ren Zhongyi, commented that fleeing from HK was the worst strategy. Three papers had further comment on this, including the left-wing New Evening Post.

The 5th Guangdong Provincial People's Congress ended on 28 December and it was announced that the number of HK and Macao delegates would be increased from 31 to 45.

The Asian Wall Street Journal of 30 December had an article by Willard Sharpe of the Chase Manhattan Bank in HK outlining the 10 main ingredients of HK's success which it said must be retained. A copy is attached.

ITEMS:

1.

EDITORIAL COMMENT ON 1982/83:

Hong Kong's future was the topic of editorial comment in all major newspapers on New Year's day. Most independent papers shared the view that HK was plagued by 1997 jitters and global recession in the past year and hoped that the territory's prospects would become clearer in 1983. On an optimistic note, the left-wing press expressed faith in the year ahead and repeated their call on residents to have confidence in the motherland.

CONFIDENTIAL

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