SECRET
16.
This policy, we would judge, would attract widespread
public support and considerably ease the problem of making
further progress towards a more satisfactory urban society.
It appears to suit local circumstances and to be compatible
with what is judged to be Peking's attitude to the institutions
of the Colony, provided it is not pushed too fast, or gives
rise to factionalism or fear of lack of decision or control.
Last year's difficulties over the election of a pro-Taiwan
member of the Urban Council suggests that Peking's attitudes to
the question of elections will not change in the near future.
17.
Possible objections to Hong Kong's present plans for
institutional development are:
(a) that although right in principle the execution of them
may not be rapid enough to contain the disquiet felt in UK
political circles at the absence of properly representative
institutions;
(b)
change of any sort might encourage pressure for an elective
system; and
(c) enlargement of, or change in, the composition or type
of membership of the Legislative Council might render the Government's
task of achieving the necessary measures of social and economic
advance more difficult, just when maximum progress is required in the run-up to the period of negotiations with the Chinese. The development of factionalism within the Council, or lack of
confidence of the public in it, or lack of confidence between
Unofficials and Officials would all represent serious handicaps
at such a time.
To these it may be answered that:
(a) the execution of these plans must necessarily take
into account both the political pressures here and the
political realities in Hong Kong. If right in principle, the question of timing is one which can be resolved through
mutual consultation. Moreover it is reasonable to hope
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