TNAG-0289-FCO40-325-Departmental-briefs-on-Hong-Kong-1971 — Page 164

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CONEIDENTIAL

stimation

likelihood that it will be renowed.

1.

Without the Now.

Territories the Colony would not be a viable entity.

Hong Kong has little or no natural resources and ito oconony

depends entirely on the skills of its peoplo and on their

ability to trade. External confidence in the Colony's

ability to maintain her position and pay her way is theroforę

of vital importance.

+

4. Although liong Kong possesses a highly sophisticated

community and modern facilities of all kindo with a buoyant

economy tho businese of Government must be conducted under a

Crown Colony Constitution which provides for no elected olement

in either the Executive or Legislative Councils. The formOK

has a nominated unofficial majority and the Governor is

required to consult with it save where matters are urúmportant

or too urgent. Ho may act contrary to the advice of the

Executive Council but in such cases must roport fully to the

Secretary of Stato. The Governor legislatos with the advico

and consent of the Legislative Council which has twolve official

ativ

and thirteen nominated unofficial members. The Governor, ac

President, has an original and a casting vote, thus maintaining

an official majority. There are the usual roservations to tha.

Crow of the power of disallowance and of the power to legislato:

by Order in Council for the peace, order and good govornment

of the Colony.

RELATIONS WITH UNITED KINGDOM

5.

The combination described above of constitutional infancy

on the one hand and economic sophistication and adulthood on

the other has had a somewhat unfortunato effect on United

SIDENTIAL

Kingdom