TNAG-0530-FCO40-625-Trade-union-relations-in-Hong-Kong-industry-1975 — Page 116

F

HRIOD.

Foreign and Commonwealth Office

London SWIA 2AH

4:

IN

*1

7 August 1975

о

14)

REGI

20 AUG 1975

Kirk 5/28.

RE

JA

I have now been able to reflect on the advice I have

been given on the various points raised when you and other

members of the NEC called on me on 23 April to discuss

Hong Kong.

On the question of membership of the Legislative

Council, I can say two things. The first is that, while

I would prefer to see constitutional progress in Hong Kong,

I do

as elsewhere in our remaining dependencies, I think progress

must to a large extent depend upon Chinese attitudes.

not think you will need any reminding that we have no vested

interest in non-elective legislatures anywhere, least of all

But in considering ways in our remaining Colonial possessions.

forward, we would be very unwise to ignore the dangers, not only

to Hong Kong itself but also to our relations with China, if we

sought to introduce an electoral system against the wishes of

China. As I told you on 23 April, the Chinese were not at

all happy over the election of someone of known KMT affiliations

to the Urban Council. This is illustrative of the difficulties

/we might

Ian Mikardo, Esq., M.P.

to kiss Swan G+GD. 20

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