TNAG-0445-FCO40-510-Discussions-with-Sir-Murray-MacLehose--Governor-of-Hong-Kong-1974 — Page 81

SECRET

GOVERNMENT. HOUSE HONG KONG

13)

香港總督府

RECEIVED IN

REGISTRY No. 51

30th May 1974

-5 JUN 1974

Sir,

HRK1/2

In my despatch of 4.1.74 I wrote that I

believed the time had come to re-examine the arguments for and against constitutional change in Hong Kong. This despatch sets out my recommendations and my views on the whole problem, as a basis for discussion.

2.

The constitution of Hong Kong is archaic and looks very odd to visitors from England. What is not so generally recognized is how odd the local situation is that has produced it or rather failed to produce anything else. Constitutional advance in Colonies has normally been made in response to a demand for self-government by local parties and with the object of achieving a viable administration whic. might assume power upon independence There has be an obvious and popular goal independence or self - government - and at least one political party with sufficient support available to work towards it. in Hong Kong neither of these elements exist. On ti contrary any hint of independence would be complete i

acceptable to the Chinese People's Government (CP) and though there are various groups and centres of

fuence in Hong Kong there is nothing approaching » political party except for the Communist party of China and the Kuomintang, both which would be equally unsuitable as a basis for re dem crati overnment. Moreover if the latent spi. in Hong Kong between the pro am anti-communis, t

ympathise were to become overt in an election, ne situation created would be intolerable.

3.

11

The present

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is well understood and 15 accep could perfectly wei. cary on Principles embodie. A 1 {

THE RIGHT HONOURABLE

JAMES CALLAGHAN, M.P.

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