On 5th December 1984, the House of Commons, in a debate on Hong Kong's future, voiced its concern that a democratic system of government should be developed quickly in the territory, in order that such a system be securely in place before the end of the transition period.
Loss of Confidence
The Joint Declaration and the Commons debate affirmed Britain's belief that Hong Kong's future should be resolved in a way acceptable to its people. The Joint Declaration was, however, only a blueprint the start of a long process of implementation which began well but has recently been faltering. (One measure of how Hong Kong people's confidence has deteriorated between 1985 and 1987, is that applications to emigrate have roughly doubled over that period.)
It has been faltering, because the British and Hong Kong governments appear -- rightly or wrongly -- to have weakened in their commitment to introduce a democraticaly- elected legislature which would form the keystone of Hong Kong's promised autonomy. Why has Britain backed away from direct elections in 1988? If it now promised them for 1991, will it back away again then? Does it place friendly relations with China above the rights and freedoms of its citizens in Hong Kong?
The issue is not just one of timing, but of credibility. If direct elections are not introduced in 1988, the lapse will be perceived as a failure of political and administrative will on Britain's part. Hong Kong will lurch towards yet another confidence crisis. It will become immeasurably more difficult for the British administration to maintain the authority needed to govern Hong Kong in the years remaining before 1997. The retreat will not be a graceful spectacle.
Public Opinion
Some people in Hong Kong do sincerely believe that direct elections would be an imprudent step. Does this give them the right to deny democracy to others?
We would welcome a referendum to settle the issue once and for all. In its absence, we would note that nine professionally-conducted opinion polls on the subject of direct elections have produced a majority of two to one in favour of direct elections.
The proposition that Hong Kong people are "not interested in politics" is a myth which serves those who already hold power through wealth or patronage. The truth is that Hong Kong people have not challenged the British administration politically because it has provided the security within which they have prospered. Now that it is to be withdrawn, they are ready and willing to assume the rights and responsibilities of democratic government.
The Survey Office Report
We expect the Hong Kong Annual Report to include reference to the report of the Hong Kong government Survey Office, a body set up to gather public responses to the Green Paper on Developments in Representative Government over a period of four months last year.
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