RESTRICTED
ANNEX
CONSTITUTIONAL
1.
Hong Kong is a Crown Colony consisting of:
(a) Hong Kong island (29 sq miles), ceded by
China to Britain in perpetuity by the Treaty
of Nanking in 1842;
(b) The Kowloon Peninsula (3 sq miles), with
certain small islands, similarly ceded under
the Convention of Peking in 1860;
(c) The New Territories (370 sq miles), leased by
China to Britain in 1898 for 99 years.
The Chinese Government, however, regard these agreements as
"unequal treaties" imposed in the 19th century by an Imperial
Government on a weak and divided China and not binding on them.
They maintain that Hong Kong remains an integral part of China.
2. In accordance with powers vested in him by the Letters Patent
and Royal Instructions, the Governor administers the Colony with
the assistance of the Executive Council and the Legislative
Council. The Governor is required to consult with the Executive
Council save where matters are unimportant or too urgent. le
may act contrary to their advice but must report any such cases
to the Secretary of State. Executive Council consists of 5
ex-Officio, 1 Official and 8 nominated Unofficial Members.
3. The Legislative Council consists of 4 ex-Officio, 10 Official
and 15 nominated Unofficial Members. The power to legislate rests
with the Governor "by and with the advice and consent of the
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/Legislative