SECRET
Degree of local autonomy
4.
Although formally speaking HMG could exercise control
over the Hong Kong Government in respect of all matters,
in fact they do not interfere in the day-to-day activities
of the Government and indeed any attempt at interference
would be greatly resented. In practical, though not in
constitutional, terms, the colony enjoys a substantial
measure of internal self-government, and but for its
geographical and political situation vis-à-vis China, would
long ago have become independent.
Legislative Council and Legislation from London
5.
Hong Kong has its own legislature consisting of the
Governor and a Legislative Council, with power to make laws
for the peace, order and good government of the Colony by
means of Ordinances. HMG have control over bills passed
by the Legislative Council since the Governor could be
instructed to refuse his assent to an objectionable bill
or reserve it for the signification of Her Majesty's pleasure,
as advised by HMG, while Ordinances assented to by the
Governor can be disallowed by the Crown on the advice of
HMG. Furthermore HMG could instruct the Governor to appoint
a greater number of public officers to the Legislative
Council so as to ensure the passage, or rejection, of
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