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changes of significance.
Position in Hong Kong
7.
Expressions of Chinese concern have caused considerable
dismay in Hong Kong, of a more lasting kind than the temporary
fall in
in the Hang Seng Index might suggest. They have revived
concern about China's intentions after 1997, about the extent
to which Hong Kong will be allowed autonomy after it becomes an
SAR, and about the extent to which the Hong Kong Government
will be able to administer Hong Kong free of interference until
then.
8.
to
Articulate objection to the Chinese
the Chinese position appears be limited to a comparatively small but vocal group of lawyers,
"pressure group" activists, and the English-speaking press.
The most extreme view is probably that expressed by Martin Lee
QC, a newly-elected member of
of LEGCO (and also member of the
Basic Law Drafting Committee), that the early introduction of
direct elections represents the only feasible bulwark against
excessive Chinese interference in Hong Kong affairs post-1997.
Mr Lee and a relatively small number of sympathisers apart
calls for direct elections from LEGCO members are fairly muted,
and may perhaps become more SO
in the face of evident Chinese
displeasure.
9.
,
Between
On the other side of the spectrum, most Hong Kong
business circles are opposed to the introduction of direct
elections and generally prefer the maintenance of the status
quo. They are certainly telling the
the Chinese
Chinese this.
these two positions, the bulk of the population are probably
fairly apathetic, but wish to avoid a row with China. That
said, there is little doubt that either an emasculation of the
1987 review, or signs that the Hong Kong Government we re not
seriously consulting local opinion on the vital issues it
raises, would be widely seen
as capitulation to Chinese
pressure. There would be widespread belief that the Hong Kong Government no longer had the capacity, or determination, to
continue to
administer
the
territory free of outside
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