11.
SECRE
I
we can carry local opinion with us, modify. suggest that this process if desired, which involves detailed discussion, might best be conducted within the framework of the regular visits to the United Kingdom for consultation which I have made within the last two years.
POLITICAL CHANGE
16.
The constitution of Hong Kong
is of course an anomaly resulting from special circumstances. But it is an anomaly that has proved both that it can work, and that it is capable of evolution over a wide field, and I am not sure how fully it is understood in Whitehall how much it has evolved in recent years.
Moreover it is able to attract men and women prepared to devote a large measure of their time to public business who are able, liberal, well-informed and sensitive to public opinion. They are also appointed with a view to being 'representative' in the sense that they are personally and genuinely concerned, and prepared to speak for, the public interest as a whole rather than for that of a class or group. In considering change one must therefore be very careful to avoid substituting for something that is accepted locally and which works, something that does neither. The results of doing so for Hong Kong and H.M.G. and for H.M.G.'s relations with China could be very serious. Nevertheless, as indicated in my despatch of 30th May 1974, for some time I have concluded there is room and need for change, and have been steadily working towards it.
The extent of the bar to the electoral process
17.
I believe there is broad acceptance by H.M.G., as there is in Hong Kong, that the electoral path to democratic majority rule, which would otherwise be the natural course to take,
is barred for a variety of reasons resulting from the position of the CPG. I believe these reasons
to be so well understood that I will not repeat them here.