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crossing, an even
system, a more up to date
etc.
etc.
This
is
larger container port, a muc ch larger university
stock exchange, more hotels for
for tourists,
practical evidence that we are working
conscientiously to preserve prosperity and stability, a s we said we
would do in the Joint Declaration, with the aim
Kong will still be a thriving and successful community.
9.
that by 1997 Hong
As regards the development of representative government it is
important to understand that Hong Kong has now a highly developed
capitalist economic and social system. Over the last 10 or 15 years
that system has come both to need and to produce a highly educated
and professional middle class of engineers, lawyers, accountants,
bankers, managers and communications experts.
As education has
greater and more
and have sought to
demand for such
to take a much
The
We believe
progressed people have come
articulate interest in the process of government
play a greater role in government.
participation would have grown irrespective of 1997.
that, far from threatening stability, we have contributed to the
maintenance of stability by responding to that demand, which comes
not just from the professional but from the community
The professional middle classes, however, although relatively
small in number are of vital importance to Hong Kong's economy and
will not stay in a society which does
They in particular will find it easy to
them that their aspirations can be met to encourage
10.
as a whole.
not meet their aspirations.
leave: our aim is by showing
them to stay.
The Chinese Government too will have to play its part in
this professional class that their aspirations will be
convincing
met.
11.
Nevertheless, we
We have proceeded very cautiously.
have SO
far introduced only limited indirect elections: there has been
strong criticism from some
enough.
We
arrangements
steps
that
far
quarters
we have not gone
that we wish to see how the present
whether an
what further
have made clear
work before deciding in 1987
are needed.X The Chinese themselves
consultation through the Basic Law Drafting
Consultative
generate
have set up a system of
Committee and Basic Law
This
great a
Committee, which
deal
we
welcome.
of discussion on
the kind
of
Y Kyver all, the Toni'l Declaration callo for
will in itself
structure Hong
'an elected legislatur
hi 1997.
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