TNAG-1299-FCO40-1655-Visit-by-Sir-Geoffrey-Howe--Secretary-of-State-for-Foreign-a-1984 — Page 49

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English Press

The SCM Post said what was helpful about the press conference was Sir Geoffrey's exposition, even if in fairly general terms, of what Britain was seeking on HK's behalf, And that should have had a tonic effect for it showed that the deeper anxieties that HK people felt about the future were recognised. However, the extent to which-HK people would be allowed to press for changes in such an agreement was far from clear, and the way in which local opinion was to be tested, was shrouded in an even thicker fog than the one which had blanketed (HK) for the last month.

The Standard said there were bright days ahead and the dawn was here. "What the treaty in the making portends is a HK continuing as it la, but better. Better, because the people here will have a greater say in local administration; better, because the cherished freedoms of the press, of opinion, of choice and of livelihood will not be surrendered but enshrined in an agreement of historic proportions; and better because the worries will evaporate." The paper added that China could not renege on any agreement and on this the Chinese record was excellent.

Public Reaction as reported in the media

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Reaction to Sir Geoffrey Howe's press conference was generally favourable, particularly from Unofficial Legco members and the commercial sector, while comments from academics and pressure groups reflected that the statement said nothing new. Those taking this line maintained that an Internationally binding agreement could not, in fact, safeguard the continuation of the territory's lifestyle unchanged for 60 years.

Chinese Press, TV and Radio

Selina Chow (Legco Member): People now have something concrete to work with. They can speak out on the objectives outlined by the Foreign Secretary.

Bill Brown (Legco Member): The British govemment has officially announced that it is giving up its sovereignty over HK. It is believed that both sides would sign an agreement on HK's future within this year.

Pauline Ng (Legco Member): The Foreign Secretary's statement indicated that the HK government would open up its administration gradually to prepare for the future HK people governing HK formula.

Dr Ho Kam-fai (Legco Member): The statement would draw intelligent response for Jocal people.

Sir Peter Blaker (Anglo-HK Parliamentary Group): The British Parliament will not be surprised by Sir Geoffrey's statement as MPs are aware that a continuation of British administration in HK after 1997 would be impossible. A high degree of autonomy after 1997 is very important in order to maintain the existing Ilving standards and systems and there should be more autonomy.during the transition period.