The Patten reforms and the crisis they provoked
lie largely outside the scope of this book. They belong too
closely to current events, and also to future developments
whose shape we cannot yet clearly see. But they require
mention because of the fundamental issues they raise and
because they provide an instructive epilogue to the
foregoing account of co-operation between Britain and
China over Hong Kong.
In essence the proposals were an attempt to
establish a further degree of democracy in the final years
of British rule, if possible with the consent of the
Chinese, but if need be in disregard of their understanding
of the political settlement that had been reached over the
territory. The object was to give further vitality to Hong
Kong and a greater capacity to resist any pressures from
Peking after the hand-over. The approach was to be tough and
assertive, in an effort to make up for what many
saw as the too flexible approach of British
negotiators in the preceding decade. Hong Kong was to be the
prime mover: the appeal was to be primarily to Hong Kong
opinion, though also to that at Westminster. And a leading
role was to be assigned to the Hong Kong Legislative
Council. The Governor emphasized that he was only making
proposals; but he made it clear that, in default of counter
and better offers from the Chinese, he would submit his
plans to the Legislative Council for them to debate and
pronounce in the spring of 1993.
commentators
The Chinese reaction was violent, both because of
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