CONFIDENTIAL
2.
3.
Mr. Pang said that, since the disturbances, the
people of Hong Kong have become more politically conscious
and it would therefore be necessary to introduce changes
which would enable them to have a greater participation in
their own affairs. In view of this a system of local
councils should be introduced in Hong Kong as soon as
possible. The Communist opposition in Hong Kong had
been exploiting social and economic grievances to their
advantage and they would continue to do this in the hope
of obtaining wider public support. They could only be
defeated if early reforms were to be introduced which
would give the people of Hong Kong a say in their own
affairs.
4.
Mr. Chen said that apart from constitutional
changes, immediate consideration should be given to the
adoption of Chinese as a second, official language, since
the vast majority of the people were Chinese and could not
express their views articulately in any language other
than their own.
5.
Lord Shepherd stated his views on the manner
and extent to which constitutional and political changes
might beintroduced in Hong Kong at the present time.
ent]t
It
was not possible at present to create a Parliamentary
democracy in the Colony by which the voice of ordinary
people could best be heard. Neither was it possible
to introduce radical changes to an established system of
Government without this being followed by serious reper-
cussions. He said that he himself would not object to
giving Hong Kong a democratic system of Government but this
resent because a transfer of
was not possible [at present] be
sovereignty from Britain to the people of Hong Kong would
invite a strong reaction from Communist China which would
be detrimental to Hong Kong's interests.
CONFIDENTIAL
/6.