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6
constitutional
and
elsewhere
background,
Governors in Hong Kong
sought to establish respect for the
rule of law and key individual rights (such as to
free speech).
(a) Even at the height of the imperial era, HMG sought
to
accommodate
demands
for increasing
representation in
government as the colonies
matured economically and politically. Around the
turn of the century, this trend was most evident in
the Dominions. By 1970, it had led to almost
complete decolonisation.
(e) Without doubt, Hong Kong would have had a place
within this process, which was repeated in every
colony capable of and willing to stand alone.
However, its special historical and geographical
position prevented this:
Most of the territory was leased.
The lease gave
the PRC rights of recovery. HMG respected China's
right in international law to make good this
claim. Hence, independence was not an option.
We use this but much quent
G.F A
SECRET £**