TNAG-1247-FCO40-1561-Press-reports-on-the-future-of-Hong-Kong-1983 — Page 106

CONFIDENTIAL

Media Summary on Hong Kong's Future

Period: February 8 - 21, 1983

INTRODUCTION:

Because of the Lunar New Year holiday, this summary covers the two-week period 8 - 21 February.

The Governor broadcast a New Year message on radio and television, reassuring that Hong Kong's voice had been and would continue to be heard in the negotiations. It was widely reported by the Press and was the subject of editorial comment,

A new propaganda tactic has been detected with the publication of several articles in China about HK's history and economy which were played up by local communist newspapers. They are apparently intended to condition opinion there on Hong Kong. An article on China's legal system clearly applied Article 31 to Hong Kong as well as Taiwan. Locally, the two principal left-wing papers shifted their emphasis to reporting signs of an upturn in the economy, probably with the aim of showing that investment was still coming into HK despite uncertainty over 1997.

There was a report from London that the Social Democratic Party had written to the Foreign Secretary seeking assurance that there would be avenues for the voice of HK people to be heard.

The visit of the US Secretary of State, Mr. George Schultz, was widely, although not prominently, reported. Despite speculation, he had little to say on the HK issue, except that it was a matter between China and Britain.

There were reports from Taiwan that Mr. Deng Xiaoping and Mr. Hu Yaobang had told Mr. Liao Chengzhi to receive criticism and review his statements on the HK issue in other words, he should refrain from making remarks about HK out of step with the party line.

Copies of articles about Hong Kong which appeared in the Asian Wall Street Journal during the period are attached.

ITEMS:

1.

GOVERNOR'S NEW YEAR MESSAGE:

Most Chinese papers gave prominent coverage to the Governor's New Year message, with the Oriental Daily News, HK Daily News and Tin Tin Daily News using it as their front- page leads. Ta Kung Pao published excerpts, but left out the Governor's reference to those taking part in the negotiations knowing full well what was in local residents' hearts and minds, and his concern with local affairs. Most Chinese papers played up in their headlines his conviction that Britain and China would reach an agreement which would be welcomed here.

CONFIDENTIAL