TNAG-1246-FCO40-1560-Press-reports-on-the-future-of-Hong-Kong-1983 — Page 121

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Ming Pao envisaged that a compromise would be made in the diplomatic talks and the outcome would not be worse than had been outlined by China. The paper believed that both speculation and the political impact of 1997 had more or less run its course in 1982. So long as we did not cherish too high hopes, there was a good chance that 1983 would prove better than the previous year. Wah Kiu Yat Po said the lack of faith in HK's future and of long-term planning was the biggest stumbling block in our progress. The paper urged the public to shape their future and cast a vote of confidence in HK. Kung Sheung said it was not impossible that an agreement would be reached in 1983 since both Britain and China realised that prolonged negotiations would do a lot of damage to HK. The paper was also convinced that Britain would not yield to Beijing's pressure and would hold fast to its stance of looking after HK's interests. HK would have a stable future as long as residents kept on reminding Britain of its obligations and continued to speak up on what was acceptable and what was not. Sing Tao Jih Pao called on the silent majority in HK to speak in one voice this year so that their wishes would be reflected in the settlement. The Centre Daily News said HK was a shining star in the world and its achievements were recognised internationally. The paper believed that Beijing in the year ahead would take more concrete measures to demonstrate its determination to maintain HK's prosperity and stability. The HK Daily News was optimistic about economic prospects. It said China's open door policy was beneficial to HK because it would prompt more firms in Western countries to set up in HK to do business with China including the Special Economic Zones.

Sing Pao said in order to bring about a satisfactory agreement it was essential to enhance China's understanding of HK. The paper suggested the Government should invite Chinese officials to visit HK so that they could reflect the local situation more accurately to Chinese policy makers.. The Express said HK's future largely hinged on the attitude of Chinese leaders. A reasonable solution was expected should the Chinese leadership continue its present policy of working for the betterment of the people. HK's future would be obscure and unpredictable if China was governed by a few stubborn extremists. The paper said the most important task in 1983 was that both the Government and the people should work jointly towards the common goal of restoring confidence and reviving the economy. In so doing, we could tide ourselves over the present difficulties.

Reviewing 1982, a few papers, including the HK Economic Journal and the Financial Daily, said the uncertain future and global recession had dealt a double blow to HK. On a less optimistic note, the Economic Journal doubted whether the diplomatic talks would be successfully completed in 1983 and whether the settlement, if any, would be acceptable to HK. The Financial Daily said the performance of HK's economy this year would depend on whether there would be a satisfactory solution to the 1997 issue. Should no agreement be forthcoming, HK would still be in a shambles even if the economy in western countries picked

The Oriental Daily News said HK residents were the ones to suffer if they kept on speculating on the political future of the territory.

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