TNAG-1246-FCO40-1560-Press-reports-on-the-future-of-Hong-Kong-1983 — Page 42

CONFIDENTIAL

Media Summary on Hong Kong's Future

Period: February 1 – 7, 1983

INTRODUCTION:

There has been substantially less media comment, particularly in the English-language press, during the period covered by this summary, although the "war" of words between the left-wing and right-wing papers continued.

A leader in the Financial Times of 2 February said China held most of the aces and it was up to Beijing to decide what it wanted. An editorial in Wen Wei Po described the FT leader as "penetrating and correct".

The February issue of Cheng Ming said the left-wing press had been ordered to hit back at statements unfavourable to China. The directive had come from the HK and Macau office of the Foreign Ministry.

The Chinese Ambassador in London, Mr. Ke Hua, was quoted saying during a new year reception that China had turned down Britain's request to extend British_administration in HK for 15 30 years.

The items the left-wing press chose to criticise were HK's education system; claims that foreign exchange earned through HK was so vital to China; and the "misunderstanding" over the three legged stool. To rub salt in, the Ta Kung Pao and the Wen Wei Po both published in full the article (outlined in last week's summary) in a Chinese history_magazine___ on the background to the treaties. The New Evening Post in an editorial said the article was meant to present history clearly, not to settle the score with Britain or seek compensation. China had to repeat this stance in order to make Britain agree to abrogate the treaties. In response the Oriental Daily News said HK people would never be convinced by the left-wing papers which kept on relating the 1997 issue to the Opium War and nationalism.

ITEMS:

1.

FINANCIAL TIMES EDITORIAL:

The Financial Times said editorially on 2 February that China held most of the aces in the Sino-British talks: it was up to Beijing to decide what it wanted, carefully weighing its desire for sovereignty against the risk of triggering a massive flight of capital, and to act accordingly. Britain must come to terms with the reality that HK was essentially Chinese and that the apparent wish of most citizens to maintain the status quo did not necessarily imply a desire to pertpetuate colonialism. Having given birth to this remarkably vigorous offspring, Britain would have to let go sometime. (A copy of the editorial is attached).

CONFIDENTIAL