TNAG-1817-FCO40-2578-Broadcasting-in-Hong-Kong-1988 — Page 165

2

PRESENTER: During his visit to Hong Kong, the

British Foreign Secretary, Sir Geoffrey Howe, has

tried to reassure the people of Hong Kong that

the government in London has not neglected their

interests since the signing of the Joint Declaration

with China in 1984. In this comment, Robert Archer

of the Catholic Institute for International Relations

assesses the current strains between Hong Kong and

London.

ROBERT ARCHER: During his recent visit to Hong Kong,

the British Foreign Secretary, Sir Geoffrey Howe,

declared that once and for all he wishes to dispose

of the myth that Britain ever has or ever would

sacrifice Hong Kong's interests in the pursuit of

better Sino-British relations. Claims to the contrary

were hogwash, Britain's commitment to Hong Kong and

its future, he said, is firm and unshakable.

The firmness of his language is a very clear indication

that the Foreign Office and the Hong Kong Government

recognise they have been losing ground in the campaign

to win public opinion. So many of the principal

decisions affecting the territory's future take place

in private between British and Chinese officials, or

between Hong Kong Government officials and members

of the Executive Council that almost inevitably

public opinion responds less to the substance of

political achievement than to perceptions of intent.

Page 165Page 166