TNAG-0588-FCO40-721-Publications-on-Hong-Kong-affairs-in-UK-Fabian-Society-pamph-1976 — Page 127

5 what can be done?

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There are four options open to Britain. First, it could hand Hong Kong back to China. This would certainly cut the Gordian knot. But there is no pressure for this from the Chinese Government nor, within the limits of expression al- lowed, from the people of Hong Kong, and until there is it will not happen. Secondly, Britain could institute a genuinely representative system of gov- ernment in the Colony and let the Hong Kong people take it from there. This has its attractions in principle, but it might be seen by Peking as a provocation which could not be ignored. The ensuing up- heaval in international relations would be dramatic and one which the UK Govern- ment is not going to risk. Thirdly, it could go on as at present, regarding the Colony with a mixture of apathy and bewilder- ment, saying and doing as little as pos- sible. A clear example of this approach was given by Lord Goronwy-Roberts, Minister of State with special responsi- bility for Hong Kong. At a press confer- ence in Hong Kong, he said on the ques- tion of social welfare: "You are auto- nomous and must decide your own policy

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We are interested in your programme but disinclined to interfere except to stand by as friends to assist you should you need it" (Hong Kong Standard, 18 January 1975). Finally, Britain could re- cognise that the present situation brings little but odium, and consequently deter- mine to initiate a vigorous programme of social reform. Such an assumption of paternal responsibility by the colonial power would be a rather unfashionable thing to do, but in the prevailing circum- stances it would be the most practical and honourable.

external pressure

To achieve anything the British Govern- ment would have to confront certain pro- blems of realpolitik. The first of these would be the attitude of China toward social reforms. Although China appears to accept the status quo there is no evi- dence for the view, sometimes argued by business interests in Hong Kong, that China would actively resent improve- ments in social standards. Certainly she

has not objected to the various plans an- nounced since 1971 by the Hong Kong Government. Her main concern would be to prevent any moves to grant inde- pendence, so creating a "Third China.' Assurances to Peking on this matter could readily be given.

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The second problem is much more diffi- cult. This is the large degree of auto- nomy which the Hong Kong administra- tion enjoys; a position reminiscent in some ways of Southern Rhodesia before Ian Smith's rebellion. If the British Gov- ernment and Parliament should become serious about reform in Hong Kong then it will be necessary to play the few con- stitutional cards left. A major part of this problem is the ignorance of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office-which in its statements often appears to be a dupe of the persuasive propaganda of the Hong Kong Government-and of Members of Parliament who, with a few exceptions, have taken little or no interest in the pro- blems of the territory. Certainly MPS need a greater insight into its problems and ethos than can be gained from heavily manipulated one week tours, or even from reading pamphlets. The occasional visiting British MP who gets the official treatment is no substitute for a proper inquiry into social welfare, education, in- dustrial safety, housing, or industrial re- lations.

Accordingly, as a matter of urgency, the British Government should set up a Com- mission of Enquiry into conditions in Hong Kong. This Commission should have wide ranging terms of reference and full powers to call for evidence and in- vestigate matters on the spot. Whatever this Commission eventually reported and recommended, and the report should be available in a matter of months rather than years, a further important step after the Commission had ended its work would be the appointment of a House of Commons Select Committee on Hong Kong. The function of this Select Com- mittee would be to examine the annual and other reports of the Hong Kong Gov- ernment, and matters in connection there- with. The Committee's appointment should be renewed sessionally. In this