TNAG-2044-FCO40-2914-Visits-from-China-to-Hong-Kong-1990 — Page 3

GF 323

機密

CONFIDENTIAL ##

rather than

- 2 -

Apart from Mr Chen's comments on the two Councils, the visit was uneventful. In making remarks, members of the group tended to follow the standard Chinese line. When briefed on Hong Kong container ports, they said that port development in Shenzhen and in Hong Kong were complementary competitive and should be co-ordinated; when briefed on broadcasting policies, they complained that the films

"Underground Express" (on the escape of participants in June 4 events) and "Her fatal ways" (a comedy mocking characters of

the PRC public security bureau) were allowed be shown; when visiting the Stock and Futures Exchanges, they expressed the wish that Hong Kong would remain an international

centre post 1997. surprisingly, they asked if the Exchange Fund could be used to finance major infrastructural projects and expressed some concern over the cost of pensions, and industrial action by civil servants. One subject which seemed to be of particular interest to them, and on which they asked some questions was the number of statutory bodies and the appointment system.

to

financial

Not

You have already seen the PA's minute on his dinner with the delegation. I now attach for your information the note on his briefing session. The group's main interest was to ascertain the degree to which PA's Office represented HMG in HKG; and the procedures for appointment of the PA. They had the misconception that the

PA co-ordinates the work of other Secretaries.

It has been agreed that a Hong Kong delegation will visit China in spring 1991 and another Chinese delegation will come to Hong Kong in the summer.

Yours

ever

Nijel

(Nigel Whitney)

for Secretary for Constitutional Affairs

c.c. Mr C.O. Pigott,

British Embassy, Peking

UK Rep JLG HK РА

D40189

機密

CONFIDENTIAL ##