TNAG-0095-FCO40-131-Heung-Yee-Kuk-delegation-visit-to-the-United-Kingdom-1968 — Page 73

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present composition of both councils and the way in which the unofficial members are chosen. They would probably point out that both councils are not representitive at all of public opinion because there are no elected members and the unofficial members, being confined to a small number of prominent rich families in Hong Kong, are remote from the ordinary people in the street. In support of their request for New Territories representation on the councils they would present the following arguments :-

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(a) The New Territories constitute more than 90% of the

total area of the Colony.

(b) The New Territories have a population of almost one

million.

These people are by tradition better organised and are closely linked because of their family or clansman ties. Consequently, they can be a potential asset or a potential threat to the peace and order of Hong Kong. If they turn Communist the effect on Hong Kong would be tremendous. In this connection delegates would probably cite the support given to the Hong Kong Government by the New Territories people in the maintainence of peace and order, during last year's disturbances as an illustration of their point that the New Territories people should be carefully nursed! As recommendations to the Secretary of State the delegates would probably put forward the following proposals:-

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haleen! lor al

W

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Comidas Theme

vej ruta d'advent.

If yo would be made

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12.001 Gor?

(a) Political and social reforms should be introduced as early

as possible to bridge the gap between the Government and the people. The delegates would support the establishment of a local Government system in the hope that through this machinery the people would be able to play a part in the administration of the Colony.

(b) The unofficial members of the Executive and Legislative

Councils should not be confined to a few prominent families; instead they should be chosen from a wider sector and only those who are well-informed of public opinion should be considered for appointment.

With The Rt. Hon. Lord Shepherd

The meeting with Lord Shepherd is likely to be fairly lengthy because the delegates would like to report to the minister on their tour through Britain in greater detail and to discuss problems which have been brought to their attention by the Chinese communities in Britain. Mr. Pang would probably initiate discussion by asking Lord Shepherd the extent to which Her Majesty's Goverment is prepared to assume responsibilities in looking after the continued well-being of Hong Kong Chinese in Britain. They anticipate that The Rt. Hon. Lord Shepherd will ask them as to how and in what way they expect Her Majesty's Government to help the Chinese. When this question is raised the delegates will go into the following

problems