L
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COLONIAL OFFICE
countries of Asia and number twenty-five in the list of the world's
trading countries.
68% Without a substantial home market, Hong Kong's basically industrial economy rests upon the opportunity to trade. It is and always will be very vulnerable in the evont of any general downward turn in world trade or the adoption of moro protectionist policies by countries constituting its major markets. Although its growth is in part self-generated it continues to be heavily dependent on outsido capital. The Colony is today entirely self-supporting; but it could bocomo a major liability in the event of a world trade recession or of a crisis of confidence involving tho cessation or withdrawal of extornal investmont. It would soom that such a liability must inevitably arise as its economy bogins to run down
towards tho ond of the loase in 1997.
Take in slep Constitution
Hong Kong is a Crom Colony administorod by a
Governor who is aasiatod by entirely nominatod Executive and Logislative Councils over which the Governor presides.
97.
The Governor is required to consult with the Executive Council, save whore matters are unimportant or too urgent. Ho may act contrary to the advice given by the Council but, in such cases, must report fully to the Socrotary of State.
108.
The power to logislate rosta with the Governor "by and with tho advice and consent of the Logislativo Council". Thoro are the usual roservations to the Crown of tho power of disallowanco and the power to logislato, with tho advice of the Privy Council, "for the peace, order and good government of tho Colony". 11. Because
we hold the major part of the Colony of China's intentions and attitude towards the Colony as
towards representative and responsible
is at present no
wides
constitutional adrance
Government is
There
omm
lease and
because
a whole,
spread
to
not possible. demand for constitutional changes, most recognining the dangers
and difficulties of the situation. But this must que rose problems as there emerges generation brought up and educated in Hong Kong in Western ways for whom there is
outlet for Their energies in political activities.
a
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