TNAG-0115-FCO40-151-Departmental-briefs-for-Commonwealth-Prime-Minister-s-and-ot-1969 — Page 44

CONFIDENTIAL

constitutional changes on these lines (which might imply that Hong

Kong could have a future other than reincorporation in China) would

provoke a violent reaction from the Chinese Peoples' Government.

Possibilities for Constitutional Change

Much thought has been given to ways of improving the represen-

tative character of the administration, short of introducing an

electoral system. The possibilities under consideration have been:

The Enlargement of the Unofficial Element in the Legislature

Although unofficials are in a majority in the Legislative

Council, they do not have control because of the Governor's original

and casting votes. If official control of the Legislature is to be

maintained (as we think it must, given Chinese attitude to constitu-

tional advance) any further increase in unofficial representation is

limited by the possibility for pari passu increase in the official

membership.

b) Broadening the Basis of Selection of Unofficial Members

The possibilities of broadening representation in the Legislature

are strictly limited. It is inherent in the nomination system that

the Governor should make appointments from people who have made their

mark in the community; these are people from industry, commerce and

professions, If the Governor were to appoint comparative nonentities

to handle the affairs of the community, the process of selection would

have a random and arbitrary nature that would satisfy nobody. Because

of the cleavage in the Trade Unions (between Chinese Communist and

Nationalist affiliations) and other weaknesses, the movement cannot

throw up anyone of acceptable representative capacity or stature.

Moreover, service on the Central Councils of the Hong Kong Government

takes a great deal of time and is unpaid.

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ONDIDENTIAL.