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discuss them with the Chinese side. The SCMP noted mainland officials alleged that "political inclinations and personal likes and dislikes" had become important factors in senior officers' appointments. The paper quoted a Beijing official as saying the reshuffle might reflect a worrying trend of politicising the civil service.
9. Chinese officials told (23.0) the HK Economic Journal that Peking would shortly issue a formal response to the announcement of senior appointments in the HKG. Chinese officials were quoted as saying the Chinese side did not want to see major changes in the senior level of the Government in 1997 and hope China and Britain would discuss the appointment and transitional arrangements for senior officers in the JLG as soon as possible.
10. NCNA Vice Director Zhang Junsheng declined to comment (24.9) on the appointment of Mrs Chan. Zhang said the transition of senior officials in 1997 had to be decided in accordance with the BL. They would be recommended by the SAR Chief Executive and be endorsed by the Central Government. An assistant to the Local NCNA director, Lee Wai-ting said the Chinese side had not been informed of the senior postings before-hand and declined to comment.
Deng Xiaoping
11. The left-wing Ta Kung Pao and Wen Wei Po (24.9) used as their Lead story an NCNA despatch from Peking carrying the full text of Deng Xiaoping's statement on "China's basic stand towards HK" made on September 24, 1982. The statement was made during Deng's meeting with Mrs Thatcher. Deng said China's stand on HK involved three issues: the sovereignty question; how China was to administer HK after 1997 to maintain HK's stability and prosperity; and discussions with Britain on prevention of upheavals in the run-up to 1997. He said in the event of serious upheavals, China would have to reconsider the timing and method of recovering HK.
Airport
12. Quoting sources (21.9) the HK Economic Journal said the two sides had not narrowed their differences over land allocation and capital injection since the last airport committee meeting. The difference over capital injection remained at dollars 10bn. It was unlikely that another meeting would be held before the ministerial
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