TNAG-0362-FCO40-408-Constitutional-development-of-Hong-Kong-1973 — Page 37

loopholes in the law. These have been accepted and

The Governor is now urgently considering a number of

further recommendations made subsequently by

Sir Alastair. Tony Royle has, I know, recently had

extensive discussions with the Governor about how

the problem should be tackled. We are very concerned

but it is & about allegations of corruption in Hong Kong and I

can assure you that the Governor, with our support, v Lathing and the necessary

[intends to take firm measures.

3. Dr Mansell then goes on to express concern about

i

what he terms "an extraordinary small (almost zero)

element of democracy in the Hong Kong Governmental

operation". Because of Hong Kong's special position,

problem which recest be dealt with beg

prisily by

Hong Government,

constitutional development towards self-Government

is not possible. This has been stated in the House

on several occasions. The Governor administers the

colony with the assistance of Executive and

Legislative Councils and it is true that there is no

This is part of the inescapable constitution of elected element on these two bodies. However there

bodies exist in Hong Kong numerous representatives in the

form of Local Council Boards and committees which

enable the Chinese community to express their views

and which constitute an effective consultative and

the

advisory machinery. For instance,/Urban Councilø,

half of whose members are elected, plays a vital role

in the administration of Hong Kong. There is also an

the

office run by Unofficial Members of the Executive and

ん

Legislative Councils, commonly referred to as the

which

mala

UMELCO Office, o investigates any complaints by the

public against the Government. The Governor has said

that he and the Hong Kong Government will strive to

make Hong Kong a place in which the people will want

to work and live. In carrying out this policy he

reality &

Phong Kong

The

NOTHING TO BE WRITTEN IN THIS MARGIN

/naturally