ENG-1984 — Page 52

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THE SINO-BRITISH JOINT DECLARATION ON THE FUTURE OF HONG KONG

draft agreement. After the most careful analysis and consideration of all the information received, the Office has concluded that most of the people of Hong Kong find the draft agreement acceptable.

3.2 All but a few have acknowledged the inevitability of the reversion of sovereignty over Hong Kong to China in 1997. The proposition that an agreement between Britain and China on the future of Hong Kong is preferable to there being no agreement, is generally understood and accepted. Furthermore, although anxieties and reservations have been expressed by many who have submitted their views, the detailed provisions of the draft agreement have been welcomed, whilst the assurances that they will be implemented have been noted.

3.3 The overall assessment and the views on which it is based are analysed in the following paragraphs.

Views Expressed in the Media

3.4 The extent and significance of media coverage monitored by the Office is described in paragraphs 2.10 and 2.11. Its depth and range have been remarkable. The overall picture from the media is one of general acceptance of the draft agreement. A small number of newspapers and magazines is known consistently to take a pro-Beijing or pro-Taiwan stand but the majority of the daily newspapers and magazines read by the bulk of the Hong Kong people have no discernible political leanings. These publications and the coverage given by radio and television have consistently taken the view that the draft agreement is acceptable in general terms. This view is illustrated by the following quotations:—

=

"It has produced a document that, if nothing else, will be read by future generations as a landmark of good sense, human reasonableness, delicate compromise and high idealism. And if it succeeds, as we earnestly hope it will, not just Hongkong, but the world will be a better place.

""

-South China Morning Post 27.9.84

"The content of the draft agreement is better than expected."

-(Translation)

"Meets the wishes of Hong Kong people."]

Oriental Daily 27.9.84

-(Translation)

Ming Pao 27.9.84

"The documents provide the most solid possible foundation on which the community of Hongkong and those who trade with and invest in Hongkong can go on building prosperity."

-Derek Davies

Far Eastern Economic Review 4.10.84

"From recent observations, a vast majority of Hong Kong people find the draft agree- ment satisfactory."

(Translation) Joseph Cheng Wide Angle 16.10.84