TNAG-1246-FCO40-1560-Press-reports-on-the-future-of-Hong-Kong-1983 — Page 83

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However, a number of independent papers said, because views were divided among members of the delegation, the group submitted five memoranda which were drafted separately by Messrs. Lau, Stephen Wong, Charles Yeung, Cheung Yan-lung and Chan Yat-sun.

Some papers said these memoranda were confidential, but the Oriental Daily News, the Express and Sing Pao said Mr. Lau's memorandum called for an early settlement in order not to impede HK's economic growth. It also gave a rundown of the role the Heung Yee Kuk was playing and the history of the NT. Mr. Stephen Wong called for a 30-50 years transitional period in which Britain would continue to administer HK as a Special Administrative Region under an international agreement. China should also make it clear that communist organisations would not be involved in HK affairs. Except in war, no Chinese troops would be stationed in HK. Charles Yeung's paper called on China to remove the sense of insecurity here before the damage it caused became irreversible. Strategically, HK could be turned into a stronghold of China against Soviet invasion. The British garrison should remain. An attack on HK would be regarded as declaring war on Britain. Chan Yat-sun suggested that an airport be built in Deep Bay with HK interests so as to boost local residents' confidence in HK's prosperity and stability. The memorandum of Mr. Cheung Yan-lung was not divulged.

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Talks impasse: In an interview with Wen Wei Po, Mr. Chan Yat-sun said Mr. Liao Chengzhi told the group that the diplomatic talks were continuing, but there was an impasse mainly due to Mrs. Thatcher's insistence on the three treaties. Mr. Liao hoped NT leaders would ask Britain to give a prompt reply to the proposals put forward by China. Mr. Chan said he got the impression that China was flexible towards measures for HK's future. Mr. Liao stressed that no matter how strong China grew in the future, its policy towards HK would remain unchanged. Mr. Liao further told the NT delegation at a dinner in their honour on 16 January that the railway line between Guangzhou and Shenzhen would be double tracked in three years to step up transport links with Hong Kong. The independent press reported that the group's request to meet Mr. Deng Xiaoping had been turned down, while Wen Wei Po said he had sent the group his greetings.

ATV-Chinese quoted its correspondent in Beijing saying that according to a member of the group China was not satisfied with the progress of the diplomatic talks and felt that Britain should be held responsible. He said even if the talks went smoothly there was still the crucial problem of deciding whether the proposals were feasible.

Comments on meeting: Commenting on the meeting between Mr. Liao and the group on 12 January, the Express said it had three special features:

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China took the initiative to request that the talks be kept confidential;

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Mr. Liao had become more diplomatic and made a flexible explanation about China's claim to regain sovereignty; and

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Mr. Liao had indicated that the ball was now in Britain's court and this showed that the Sino-British talks were being respected.

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