URSAN
See (13
18
6A
16th. October, 1978.
RECEIVIÓ PI PODUKTY NO. 51
The Rt. Hon, Dr. David Owen,
Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs,
Whitehall,
London.
Dear Dr. Owen,
OFFICER
PA
REGATHY Acton Taten
On 24th. June, 1978, the undersigned, being elected independent Urben Councillors in Hong Kong holding the highest proportion of votes in elections, wrote to Lord Goronwy-Roberts, pointing out the undemocratic system of Government in Hong Kong, and requesting certain reforms,
2.
Lord Goronwy-Roberts replied on l ́t. August, 1978, While agreeing that "the British Government share your concern that Hong Kong should be administered in the interests of all who live there," he added that the problem was to decide "what is appropriate and when." 3.
The tone of Lord Goronwy-Roberts' letter is what now seems to have become typical of the Labour Government: to admit how things should be done, but make excuses for not doing it. In this respect the Labour Government in no way differs from Conservative Governments since 1843 when the Cólony was first get up. From that time until now, some excuse has always been found to delay reforms as being "inappropriate". If you will read the political history of the Colony, this will prove the point.
4.
We suggest that the time will never be appropriate for changes, so long as the British Government continues to cater only for big business interests, and disregards injustices to the people as a whole. 5.
*
The long Kong Covernment will no doubt explain to you (and your predecessors have always accepted these explanations without question) that the people are consulted on every issue at every level. Advisory Committees are set up and Green Papers circulated to back up this claim. But in actual fact, no advice of an advisory committee or criticism of a Green Paper is accepted unless it coincides, more or less, with the views of the Executive and Legislative Councils, which are made up of annointees known for their interest in preserving the status quo. No strong voice for the people's interests has ever been heard on those Councils, and it is clear from the omissions in appointments as well as from the actual appointments, that only pro-Government interests are elevated to the law-making bodies.
6.
We have followed with interest your activities in the western hemisphere, especially in Africa. We agree with your stand in Rhodesia. No doubt Rhodesia would never have reached the point of uni- lateral declaration of independence and guerilla activity, had previous British Governments tried to assess the sentiments of the local people independently, instead of believing reports from the White Government. Now that the situation has reached the point of open defiance by the White Government, your Government in taking a tougher stand too late,
it eeems,
市政局·香港愛丁堡傷
Urban Council Chambers, Edinburgh Place, Hongkong
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