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4.
unlike other colonial territories, could not be given
sweeping political changes in view of her geographical
propinquity to Communist China. The constitutional
status of Hong Kong was no reflection on her people but
her nearness to China had placed her in a vulnerable
position. In view of this it would be essential to
introduce changes in a manner which would not arouse
unfavourable reactions from Communist China. While it
would not be possible to give Hong Kong a democratic
system of Government (at the present time. it should be
[at
possible to introduce changes which would gradually
enable ordinary people to express their views and to
understand the Government's policies, thus bridging the
gap between the Government and the people.
9.
Mr. Pang summed up his views as follows.
The vast majority of Hong Kong people did not want an
autonomous system of Government nor were they desirous
of obtaining independence. He felt that suitable reforms
should be introduced rapidly and conspicuously in order
to demonstrate to the people that as a result of the
disturbances, the Government was capable of and prepared
to remedy social and economic and political grievances
effectively and quickly. Changes in labour legislation
were necessary but they were neither as important nor as
pressing as political changes: the Communist opposition
in Hong Kong was ready at any time to upset Hong Kong
and in order to retain public support it was essential
to give the people a stake in the administration of their
internal affairs. Mr. Pang said that he was not hoping
to see the introduction of vast, sweeping changes but
there were certain improvements which could be
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