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business community which wants no change at all because things
run satisfactorily under the present system, and they fear
possible demagogues and the "free lunch" syndrome.
28.
Most people in Hong Kong are probably waiting to see
what the C.P.G. indicate they want, and how effective they
are in manoevring for what they want. If this is pretty
well acceptable, most people are unlikely to express publicly
a desire for greater change.
Options for 1987 Review
29.
General Approach
The approach is that no fundamental re-structuring of
the Government system is possible or indeed desirable, but
that further evolution and adaptation is required, to arrive
in good time before 1997 at the structure outlined in the
Joint Declaration, and to satisfy the expectations and meet
the wishes of Hong Kong people. Imported models of government
are not the answer; organic growth is the watchword. The
less obviously any changes can be made, the greater will be
the possibility of persuading the P.R.C. not to kick against
them now;
and later, to allow them to continue beyond 1997.
The broad support of all sectors of the Hong Kong Community
must be retained, and the influence of minorities, either
radical or conservative must not be over-rated.
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