Meeting Point (an intellectual pressure group) chairman Lau Nal-keung wrote in his pen name " Fan" in the Economic Journal that he had learnt that some Umelco members, headed by Sir S.Y, Chung, were opposed to the British position. During their trips to London, Exco members had failed to make Britain change its mind. They continued to oppose such a stance during their meeting with Sir Geoffrey in HK. Traditionally, Britain would not make known its position unless it was certain that its stance would be acceptable to a certain extent to the other party and would not bring a "loss of face" to the country. Based on this, he figured that China would make concessions and would come to an agreement with Britain at the negotiating table.
In the left-wing press, Ta Kung Pao maid Sir Geoffrey's statement and his replies given in the questions session had taken into account the history of Hong Kong and reality and indicated a friendly and cooperative attitude. The Sino-British talks on the Hong Kong question would benefit from this and proceed on until a final agreement was reached. His statement was also beneficial to the maintenance of Hong Kong's prosperity and stability, and would positively affect the further development of Sino-British relations and help boost Hong Kong people's confidence. "We believe that if both sides maintain their friendly attitudes, the question would be resolved smoothly," Ta Kung noted.
Although Sir Geoffrey still Indicated that the two sides must not rush into an early agreement, but should aim for a satisfactory agreement, Ta Kung still thought that an early agreement could help boost the confidence of residents and various sectors in Hong Kong and would definitely generate more positive effects on Hong Kong's prosperity and stability.
The paper noted that some people in Hong Kong and overseas were worried that China changed its policies from time to time and the question of guarantee was also reflected in Sir Geoffrey's press conference. As China's policy on Hong Kong was linked to the country's four modernisations, China's open policy would not be changed as long as It was beneficial to the majority of the Chinese population, including those living in Hong Kong,
After hearing what Sir Geoffrey had said, many Hong Kong people believed that It was now time for all Hong Kong residents to Join hands to maintain and develop Hong Kong's prosperity and stability to welcome the arrival of a new situation. "This is a correct view and has our full support," Ta Kung added.
Wen Wel editorialised that what Sir Geoffrey had said was in line with the development of history and the interests of the people of China and Britain. Sir Geoffrey's belief that Hong Kong would maintain its stability and prosperity would also answer some people's worries and would have good and positive effects. Sir Geoffrey had also provided an answer to the question on whether China, would honour the agreement to be concluded between China and Britain when he said both sides intended to keep the agreement. The Chinese Government would not go into talks with Britain on Hong Kong's post-1997 administration, which was an internal affair, if China did not regard Britain as a friend. There would be no need for any discussion if the Chinese Government had no intention of honouring a bilateral agreement. It was well known that China always honoured its promises in dealings with other countries. Wen Wel believed that Hong Kong compatriots would have much greater confidence and continue their concerted efforts to work for Hong Kong's prosperity.
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