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1841
1842
ong Kong became a British territory - recognition of paying ff the opium debt. Elliott. who negotiated this treaty was dismissed. London thought he should have pressed for a commercial treaty rather than accept "a barren island with scarcely a house upon it.
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Treaty of Nanking, which secured Hong Kong for the British and five ports including Canton were opened for trade.
To consolidate the claim and defence of Hong Kong Britain wanted control of land around the island and gained the New Territories on a 99 year lease in 1898.
When the island was ceded there was a supplementary treaty that all Chinese would have unrestricted access to it.
1939 Hong Kong population estimated at 1,600,00 whom were sleeping in the streets.
one quarter of
Hong Kong grew up as a stopping off port. Building, refitting and supplying of ships became Hong Kong's most important industry. Until 1951 trading was Hong Kong's greatest asset, the ability to receive, process and ship other's products, but embargoes on trade with Red China meant a massive blow to Hong Kong. Trade collapsed towards the end of 1951. At first no thought of substituting industry for trade - but one ma or asset i.e. "unlimited supply of cheap labour. Also colonial products paid lower tariffs in the Commonwealth than foreign products. from trading Hong Kong had good banking, insurance and trading connections already established.
GOVERNMENT
A British crown colony. Administered by a Governor, an Executive Council and a Legislative Council.
Sovereign power rests with the Governor who is ultimately responsible to the British parliament. Governor is responsible for every executive act of government, defence and foreign relations are the responsibility of British government.
In an age of general decolonisation, Hong Kong stands out as a bastion of 19th century colonialism. Informally Hong Kong is ruled by a small group of businessmen and bankers in alliance with the colonial administration.
Hong Kong still has the death penalty. It has a ban on all political parties. Ban on Trade Unions affiliating with International organisations without special permission. Ban on Trade Unions establishing political funds for their members.
Hong Kong has the worst drug problem in the world.
Colonial regime not elected by the population totally undemocratic power of regime upheld by police and army. Police have wide power's can arrest without warrant any person he suspects to be guilty of an offence.
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