TNAG-1246-FCO40-1560-Press-reports-on-the-future-of-Hong-Kong-1983 — Page 130

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CONFIDENTIAL

Media Summary on Hong Kong's Future

Period: December 21 - 28, 1982

INTRODUCTION:

The First Secretary of Guangdong, Mr. Ren Zhongyi, was quoted in a China News Service release of December 25 saying that fleeing from Hong Kong was the worst strategy; China would not change its policies, including its policy towards Hong Kong. His statement drew extensive comment from left and right-wing newspapers in Hong Kong.

During the week, Xinhua announced that the State Council had given approval for building a nuclear power plant at Daya Bay. The announcement met with criticism from local pressure groups.

Also during the week, the Government announced a new policy requiring visitors from China to return upon expiry of their two-way permits. The announcement followed a visit by the Political Adviser to Guangzhou. The new measure was widely supported by

the media.

There was some continued reaction to the speech last week of the former Director of Home Affairs, Mr. John Walden; this was mixed.

China News Service reported that an official of the Guangzhou United Front Office was sentenced to 12 years' imprisonment with hard labour for supplying 'state secrets' to a local magazine, Cheng Ming. The magazine, although left-wing, has been critical of China for its lack of democracy.

After two weeks of not commenting on remarks in the right-wing Press against the "Hong Kong people to administer Hong Kong" proposal, the New Evening Post responded to an editorial in the Express which had said HK's prosperity could never be maintained under

self-rule.

Can

Commlaty serantez

The Asian Wall Street Journal of December 28 carried a long interview with prominent businessman, Mr. R.C. Lee, a copy of which is attached.

TEMS:

1.

MR. REN SAYS 'DON'T FLEE':

The First Secretary of Guangdong, Mr. Ren Zhongyi, urged HK and Macau residents to set their hearts at ease and not flee. The China News Service quoted him as saying that fleeing was the worst of the 36 Chinese strategms for handling a problem. Mr. Ren was speaking on Christmas Day to HK and Macau delegates attending the 5th provincial NPC in Guangdong. He said China would not change its policies, including its policy towards HK. As from now, there would not be any "higher order" to override the new Constitution. China's economy, which had not been hit by world recession, would have good prospects; so would the economies of Guangdong, HK and Macau.

CONFIDENTIAL