}
finding ways and means for greater participation in policy, thought and policy
aking.
#1
CONCLUSION
}
There are clearly three main alternatives open to the British Government which is the 'de jure' and 'de facto' government of Hong-Kong.
The first would be to allow the status quo to remain.
The second would be for some moderate reforms to be made in the adminis- trative, legal and social spheres.
The third would be to undertake, and give support to those who believe in, a thorough programme of meaningful social change in Hong-Kong.
}
It would seem that the first option would hardly be socialist and the second would be impractical as it would generate concerted opposition from vested business interests in Hong-Kong. This has been the official reaction
to the third option, i.e., it would damage business confidence.
As the vested interests in Hong-Kong are powerful it would seem that if a British government wished to see a thorough change in the social conditions in the colony, it would have to have/power base in the colony (aside from its armed forces). This could hardly be built without allowing full democratic rights to the people of Hong-Kong, 1.e. freedom for political parties, un- fettered trade unions, and a democratically elected Assembly to exercise power.
1
An independent Hong-Kong has no long-term viability because of the Chinese situation. Its future will clearly be as an integral part of China. The problem in the short-term is whether the colony will follow the present course of development or take a more democratic, socialist path, The long-term position of Hong-Kong would be helped if the present Labour government disassociated them- selves from the 19th century Unequal Treaties and recognised that Hong-Kong will return to China. To date no British government has even recognised China's position in principle.
It would also be useful if the British government undertook a Commission of Enquiry into conditions in Hong-Kong and ensured that normal governmental and economic statistics were produced for Hong-Kong.
i
Thus the 'third option would include within it:,
17 Recognition that a long-term independent Hong-Kong is not
viable and that it will become part of China.
27 Full democratic rights for the people of, Hong-Kong.
3/ Commission of Enquiry into conditions in Hong-Kong and
publication of statistics.
}:
47 Vast improvement in social services with full implemen-
tation of the I.L.0. Conventions, which are applied to Britain.
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