TNAG-2781-FCO40-4000-Future-of-Hong-Kong-constitutional-development-Chinese-reac-1993 — Page 94

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10.9.93

Ta Kung Pao editorial

10.9.93

HK Commercial Daily editorial

10.9.93

Yip Chong and Lan Ching in Ta Kung Pao, and Pui Yin and Lee

Kiu in Wen Wei

Po

The key to ending the differences between China and Britain is to stick to the "three conformities". Moreover, Mr Patten should take to heart HK's smooth transition as well as the interests of the majority of HK people. The British proposals to change the electoral arrangements for DBs, functional constituencies and the Election Committee and to "politicise" the civil service are all attempts to extend British colonial influence in HK. The British proposals to overhaul the political system are aimed at securing power for a minority group here. The British insistence on the "through train" is to ensure that these pro-British and anti-China elements can gain a foothold in the SAR after 1997.

A former key HK Government official has pointed out recently that the real aim of the British is to leave HK in a mess when the territory reverts to China. This intention is reflected in their proposal for a complete overhaul of HK's systems and policies, including changes to the election methods for Legco and the DBs, the executive-led structure and the civil service system. We should face up to the harsh reality that we can no longer pin our hopes on the talks to yield positive results. The SARPC's PWC should speed up its work to prepare HK for the transfer and HK people should take their fate into their own hands by using the BL as their guiding principles.

The moves by the British side and Mr Patten, from the introduction of his reform package to the recent Han Dong fang case and attempts to "localise" and "politicise" the civil service, show that the British side is departing more and more from the "three conformities". These developments are detrimental to HK people's interests. Who is the one with "ulterior motives"

here?

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