Public Reaction as reported in the Media
There was not a great deal of further reaction to Sir Geoffrey Howe's press conference in the printed media. However, the usual group of Legco members, academics and community leaders repeated their comments in radio and TV panel discussions.
Cheung Yan-lung (Legco Member): Certain details of the talks should be disclosed to the people of HK before an agreement is reached, otherwise there will not be enough time for local people to reflect their views on the proposals.
Pauline Ng (Legco Member): It is heartening to learn that HK's existing systems will be maintained after 1997, The Government is paving the way for HK to become a highly autonomous territory after 1997.
Dr Henrietta Ip (Legco Member): Sir Geoffrey's statement is very disappointing. It is very difficult for things to be the same as it is after 1997 if Britain la not going to maintain sovereignty and administrative right in HK. Britain should keep HK people informed about the progress of the talks so that they can make their views known and try to seek the best agreement for their future.
Stephen Cheong (Legco Member): It will be difficult to arrange third party involvement in the International agreement on HK's future as the issue is primarily an issue between Britain and China.
Rita Fan (Lagco Member): All local people should get involved and stand up and say what they want to say and what they believe in to ensure that the agreement on HK's future would include all those things important to the people of HK.
Dr Edward Chen (HKU lecturer): If an announcement is to be made on HK's future, it will be on broad principles and many details will need to be worked out as we move towards 1997. Investors might not have sufficient confidence to commit themselves to investments of ten to 15 years until they can see what kind of international guarantee or agreement will be reached by the two governments.
Dr Wong Kam-chow (CU lecturer): There are inadequate guarantees that the agreement on HK will be honoured. Sir Geoffrey has not made clear Britain's stance on HK during the transition period,
Pao Ping-wing (Urban Councillor): It is disappointing that Sir Geoffrey has not revealed the British government's measures to ensure a smooth transition. However, it is believed that both countries are sincere in abiding by the future agreement on HK.
Dr Kim Cham (HK Commodities Exchange); If either country violates the agreement, the
adverse effects would be reflected by HK's free monetary system.
Ho Salchu (HK Chinese GenCham and CPPCC delegate): Local people will no longer have illusions about continued British rule after 1997. It is unlikely that China will violate the agreement.
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