11.
The degree to which the members of UMELCO are representat the people of Hong Kong is disputable. As they are appointed not elected, their authority derives from their professional simplu business capacity, knowledge of English and the ability to commi the respect of some section of the public. In practice this end. to restrict candidates to persons who have come to notice through the time and effort which they have devoted to public and charitable work, which in turn means that they are generally rich.
The Governor is aware of the limitations of the present system and the Government therefore attaches importance to keeping closely in touch with public opinion. Besides the Urban Council, which i semi-elected body concerned mainly with public health and the of parks and amenities, there are a large number of unofficial ory committees which provide a bridge between the Government and people.
THE HONG KONG/UNITED KINGDOM RELATIONSHIP
12. In practice the Colony enjoys a wide measure of self-go resembling as it does a semi-autonomous city state. So whil is communalty of interest between Hong Kong and the UK there mi clashes of views on a number of issues. At the same time, depend on Britain is entirely accepted, for without the British invol the Colony in its present form would cease to exist and is well stood that where UK interests are directly involved then the 1 will necessarily be with HMG. However, awareness of Hong Kong importance as a trading power and of the different Chinese soci attitudes prevailing there, have often led people in the Colon. feel that on purely local matters the last word should be local
seen to be local
13. Relations with Hong Kong are therefore rarely, if ever, forward and at present they are possibly more difficult than van Besides the Defence Costs Agreement there are a number of issue of them vital, but cumulatively important, which underlie the p- uneasy relationship.
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CONVIDENTIAL.
/Constitutional Pros
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