TNAG-1253-FCO40-1586-Third-countries-and-the-future-of-Hong-Kong-1983 — Page 170

Translation

Bonner General-Anzeiger, 25.5.1983

Hong Kong's "Time-borb" is Ticking"

Eritish prepare "orderly retreat" from Crown Colony

By Dietmar Schulz

Hong Kong (dpa). A feeling of resignation is spreading through Hong Kong. For the over 5 million inhabitants of the city hopes are dwindling that the British flag will still be flying over the Governor's palace after 1997. It is assumed that Communist-governed China will annex the area of the present British Crown Colony faster than was thought just a few months ago. In their negotiations with Peking the British already seem to be pre- paring themselves for a "withdrawal in good order". In the mean- time, capital continues to flow out of Hong Kong in fear of ar economic collapse when the fateful day comes in the next 14 years.

Jay

Both sides have imposed a blackout on news of the talks about the future of Hong Kong which have been going on between Peking and London since November 1982. Sparse comments from senior Hong Kong officials indicate that it will take another two years before a settlement is reached on China's take-over of the area.

A high-ranking Chinese official recently gave important pointers as to how the Chinese leadership sees the future of Hong Kong and what it has presented as its maximum demands in negotiations with the British Government. The present Crown Colony is to become a "Hong Kong Administrative District" with a special status when Peking considers "the time is ripe", but no later than 1997. British officials will, at best, only be able to stay on as "advisers". According to one Chinese civil servant, Hong Kong's current social and economic system and present life-style would change just as little as its external trade policy. Furthermore, Hong Kong would remain a free port and an international finance centre.

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