TNAG-1246-FCO40-1560-Press-reports-on-the-future-of-Hong-Kong-1983 — Page 142

CONFIDENTIAL

Media Summary on Hong Kong's Future

Period: December 14

20, 1982

INTRODUCTION:

The volume of media items related to the future of HK has continued to be heavy. An important item was a Reuters despatch from Beijing quoting an unnamed Chinese official saying China was willing to discuss ways of accommodating British interests in HK after it regained sovereignty. This was interpreted as a softening of the Chinese stance on the issue. Another Reuters despatch said the Sino-British talks had stopped Temporarily because the chief Chinese negotiator was being posted as Ambassador to Washington.

A member of a business group visiting Beijing confirmed that he had been told by Chinese Premier, Mr. Zhao Zhiyang, that there would be no class struggle in HK after China regained sovereignty in 1997,

The investment by Beijing interests in a site in Western district for development of a godown and pier was seen by some of the press as an example of China's faith in HK's long term prospects.

During the week, a meeting took place between the Bank of China and two local business associations at which BOC officials said they would consider doing more to help local industry which was the backbone of HK.

HK and Macao delegates returning from the recent NPC told the press that the HK issue had not been discussed at the Congress although there was unanimous agreement that the SAR proposition would apply to HK.

Former civil servant Mr. John Walden called for a coalition of HK people to speak up about the future. In an article in Asiaweek, Dr. Joseph Cheng (CU) said citizen power should continue to grow in the 1980s, but the extent to which HK people could succeed in the struggle for their rights depended on their strength and determination.

Independent newspapers continued to make positive statements on the British commitment to HK and its prosperity; for the second week running, there was no reply to this line by the left-wing press.

On 16 December, the International Herald Tribune produced a three-page supplement on H.K. Copies of the main articles are attached.

CONFIDENTIAL