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SHENZHEN FIRE
The dailies continued to give good coverage to the Shenzhen blaze, quoting CS(D) Anson Chan as expressing shock at the incident and concern for the families of the victims. She hoped that HK manufacturers who set up factories in the mainland would improve safety measures there. Similar calls were made by HK NPC delegate Cheng Yiu-tong, FTU's Tan Yiu-chung, the Confederation of Trade Unions and a delegation of HK construction industry now visiting Peking. The Oriental Daily observed that the Shenzhen authorities held a meeting to discuss remedial peasures but continued to refuse coverage by the press. Yesterday's papers said that Governor Chris Patten had sent a message to Shenzhen mayor Li Youwei ( expressing condolences to the families of fire victims.
SIR DAVID FORD
CS Six David Ford in a statement last night said that news reports about his remarks that confidential documents of senior HK Government officials would be handed over to the Chinese Government were groundless. He said that to ensure the transition of the civil service, there was a need to discuss with the Chinese side the key positions in the civil service. but there was no need to hand over confidential documents.
In an interview with Sing Tao Daily, Sir David said the stands of China and Britain in the political talks were very different and the talks would be a very difficult task. However, he sincerely hoped that an agreement would be reached, though he added that one should not strive for an agreement at all costs. On the relations between the administration and Legco, Sir David said it was a natural development that there were more debates with a more independent Legco. With the approach of 1997, the Government had to maintain its authority and should not relax in its fight agaisnt crime and corruption.
In an interview with ATV's "Newsline", Sir David said it was difficult to predict the outcome of the talks, but the British side would do its best. He did not think that he attitude towards China was
confrontational, noting that he was only keen to protect HK's interests. On the civil service, he said that the latest policy to allow expatriate officers to switch to local terms was the best interim measure, adding that the ultimate solution would be to work out a definition of a "local" with the Chinese side.
ANSON CHAN
CS (designate) Anson Chan said on ber return from the Europe Promotion that there was no need to hand over confidential documents of senior Government officials to the Chinese side. She said that when discussing the promotion of senior officers with the Chinese side, only their strength and weakness would be discussed and confidential data would not be revealed. On the possibility of political vetting in a through train for Government officials, Mrs Chan said that the Chinese had often said that as long as the officers were loyal to the Government and answered the requirements of the BL, they could continue to serve in the SAR, On her European trip. Mrs Chan said that she had met many senior officials there and had conveyed the message that HK was an attractive city for foreign investors both before and after 1997. She said that these officials were all concerned about the development of the Sino- British talks.
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