11 -
China has promised the 5.5 million residents of
Hong Kong (who will be 6.5 million by 1997) a high degree of
autonomy under the "Hong Kong People Governing Hong Kong"
concept.
This should be a great challenge to local leaders
who have the interests of Hong Kong at heart. But it is
important that all parties concerned be patient and
understanding, restrained in language and persistent in
effort.
It will be advisable for both the British and
Chinese Governments to avoid any misunderstandings of purpose
or motive as the phased development of Hong Kong's political
structure takes place, which will transfer power from a
colonial power structure to a "Hong Kong People Governing
Hong Kong" structure acceptable to China and operating under
the "One Country Two Systems" concept.
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There is some concern that if the powers of the
Governor in Executive Council are transferred to the
Legislative Council, the political situation could be
destabilized. We must be careful not to confuse the
functions of the Executive and Legislative Councils which are
clearly distinguished in the Joint Declaration.
avoided by:
I am of the view that this can certainly be
Firstly, the British Government retaining its
(1)
reserve powers until 1997;
/(2)