TNAG-0733-FCO40-937-Inquiries-on-democracy-in-Hong-Kong-1978 — Page 16

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in the letter, three those for introducing an elected element into the Legislative Council, for phasing out non-elected

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members of the Urban Council, and for extending the franchise to all adult long-term residents of Hong Kong are not unrealistic as medium term aims. There is, however, very little support

The for them at present among the population in Hong Kong. fourth proposal, for an increase in the Urban Council's functions, would probably be a retrograde step at the present stage of the territory's development. Before it was reorganised in 1973 the Council used to have wider responsibilities, including housing, but only in respect of the urban areas. These functions were taken away in order to concentrate responsibility for them in the central government agencies which deal with the territory as a whole. The success of the Government's social programmes over the past five years shows the extent to which these changes were justified. 5. Chinese attitudes are clearly a very important factor in considering possible constitutional changes in Hong Kong. Chinese Government derive very substantial commercial, economic and other benefits from Hong Kong and have made it clear that they wish the status quo to be maintained for some considerable time to come. But they do not acknowledge the validity of the treaties by which Hong Kong was established and extended;

on the contrary they have always regarded Hong Kong as Chinese territory which will one day revert to China. It follows, as the Councillors recognise, that independence is ruled out as an option for Hong Kong. It also follows that any moves which might be interpreted as steps in that direction could have serious implications for our relations with China, both over Hong Kong and more generally. That does not, of course, mean that we are inhibited from introducing any measures to give the people of Hong Kong a greater say in the conduct of

But their own affairs. There is no reason why that need be so. it does mean that the timing as well as the extent of such measures must be very carefully calculated. During the next few years, and perhaps sooner rather than later, we shall need to reach some understanding with China over the future of the territory;

/otherwise

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