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4
a week was a short time in politics. Twenty-three years was
a short time in the life of nations, but in that time Hong Kong
tact
must create an effect of inevitability so as to shore up its
position for the future.
8.
On the constitutional position of the Executive and
Legislative Councils, caution was needed. He recognised the
value of the nominative principles but regarded the strengtheninng
Wot3 of the popular routes of the Councils, perhaps by way of the
MAC's always bearing in mind external factors, as important and
welcome. Did UMELCO feel that any extension of the voting
process in local Government was possible ? Mr. T.S. Lo said
that this would lead to the introduction of sectional interests.
Members should represent the whole of Hong Kong. Lord Goronwy-
Roberts said that he understood this, but the bases on which
members were selected should be expanded.
9.
On the EEC, he gave an undertaking that Britain would
exert its influence on behalf of Hong Kong in such things as
GSP and GATT negotiations. We had had some successes but would
try again next year.
10.
On defence contributions, decisions had not yet been
taken, but consultations were proceeding. Adjustments would be
necessary. He had listened to everything that had been said,
and would do his best to get the best bargain for Hong Kong.
Here again, Hong Kong should remember the special relationship
that it wished to maintain with the UK.
11.
On labour legislation, he had noted some welcome movement:
Hong Kong should do all it could to comply with ILO conventions.
This was important to Hong Kong's image.
12.
As for criticism of Hong Kong in the UK, Hong Kong should
welcome this. Criticism was a fact of democratic life, and it
gave those it criticised a fine opportunity to defend themselves
if they could.
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