TNAG-1821-FCO40-2584-Emigration-from-Hong-Kong-1988 — Page 120

statements include:

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helpful references to Hong Kong, from Prime Minister Li Peng downwards, during the National People's Congress in the Spring;

fulsome praise for capitalism from Xu Jiatun at about the

same time;

compliments for Hong Kong entrepreneurs from Vice-Premier Tian Jiyun in the territory last week.

But the touch of the Chinese is not always very sure: for example they have appeared to belittle the significance of emigration trends. And very often they may not be prepared to say what Hong Kong really want to hear.

5.

We make a point of encouraging the Chinese to sustain confidence in Hong Kong. That was one of the key themes when

The Mr Donald presented his credentials at the end of May. Secretary of State made the same point to Qian Qichen in New York earlier this week. We are also planning an exercise to encourage the Chinese Embassy in Washington to participate more actively in action to counter doubts among Americans about Hong Kong's future.

6.

The Hong Kong Government must work to sustain confidence in a rather different way, namely by demonstrating that it can provide

That aim informs all forward-looking and competent administration. they do. They also have a programme of sending speakers to Britain and other major countries to help foster positive perceptions of Hong Kong: this activity plays back in the local press and and assists confidence. The Governor heads the list of senior officials who regularly come to London; there are periodic speaking tours by Hong Kong officials in the United States; and in the autumn the Governor will be visiting a number of European centres.

Future Action

We should certainly review that range of activity to see where gaps need to be filled. We need to recognise that people in

1.

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