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holding elections in early 1982.
9. Extension of representative government to the Legislative of
Executive Councils would not be politic, as it would be construed
by the Chinese and internationally as a move towards independence.
A directly elected Governor is constitutionally impossible.
STANDING COMMITTEE ON PRESSURE GROUPS (SCOPG)
10. In 1977, the Hong Kong Government set up this Standing Committee
to advise on the views of a wide range of people in the community and,
in particular, of groups who have been critical of Hong Kong
Government policies. Its function is to ensure that these views
are fully understood and to advise the Hong Kong Government how to
respond. In December 1980, a SCOPG report was leaked to the New
Statesman and gave rise to an article which described SCOPG as a part
of a conspiracy to inhibit free expression by infiltrating pressure
groups. These charges have been cleared by the Hong Kong Government
but have aroused some Parliamentary interest.
THE FILM 'COLDEST WINTER IN PEKING'
11. The Taiwanese film 'Coldest Winter in Peking' deals with the
excesses of China's Cultural Revolution. It was originally passed
by censors on the grounds that its content was now historical. The
Chinese made strong representations in Hong Kong and Peking that the
film was propaganda and its showing during the Secretary of State's
visit would harm bilateral relations. Hong Kong agreed that, because
of its political content, its permit should be immediately withdrawn.
JUVENILE CRIME
12. Crime by juveniles (ages 7 to 15 years) in Hong Kong is on the
After dropping to 7% of total crime in the mid-1970s,
increase.
it rose to 11% by 1979 and around 16% in 1980. The Governor has
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