TNAG-2781-FCO40-4000-Future-of-Hong-Kong-constitutional-development-Chinese-reac-1993 — Page 127

4.8.93

Tai Kiu in Wen Wei Po and Ting Pok in Ta Kung Pao

4.8.93

Lan Ching in Ta Kung Pao

4.8.93

Ha Yu-kwan in

Wen Wei Po

5.8.93

Ta Kung Pao editorial

5.8.93

Wen Wei Po

editorial

5.8.93

5.8.93

Tse Ming in Ta Kung Pao

Tsui Tong in HK Commercial Daily

5.8.93

Lee Man in Wen

Wei Po

6.8.93

and

10.8.93

HKMAO deputy director Chen Ziying

(Ta Kung

Pao)

CONFIDENTIAL

6

-

The measure is aimed at extending British rule in HK.

"HK people ruling HK" must be upheld. There should be no major policy change during the latter part of the transition.

The measure is part of British strategy to place human rights above Chinese sovereignty over HK.

The new policy toes the "Patten line" to challenge the Chinese side and Sino-British cooperation and is a new trick to extend British colonial rule. It is questionable. why the British-HK authorities make such a move when both China and Britain have indicated the need to speed up the political talks.

The sudden policy change comes on the eve of the ninth round of talks. Britain, through its uncooperative gesture, is probably hoping that China will be forced to accept its terms.

The new move will make "HK people running HK" exist in name only. The SAR Government will still have "British people running

HK".

The "localisation" of British officials and the purchase of a Chinese newspaper and a TV station by Rupert Murdoch are aimed at complementing the Governor's internationalisation strategy for HK.

The Bill of Rights (BOR) has paved the way for a new policy aimed at extending British rule over HK after 1997. The BOR and the Patten package are aimed at internationalising the administration of

HK.

China does not want to see the civil service system change drastically. Any change must not breach the JD and the BL. Should the HK Government want to make any change, the Chinese side should be consulted beforehand.

CONFIDENTIAL