TNAG-0933-FCO40-1152-Relations-between-Hong-Kong-and-Macau-1980 — Page 12

Extract from Ta Kung Po dated 26/4/80

SUMMARY TRANSLATION

448/E/80

EDITORIAL:

AUTONOMY MUST NOT BE ALLOWED IN MACAU

The "Legislative Assembly" of Macau has recently announced the

revised draft of the "Organic Constitution of Macau" made by its 4-member

"subcommittee for the amendment of the constitution". The draft, if

passed by the "Legislative Assembly", will be submitted to the Portuguese

parliament and the revolutionary committee for final approval.

The draft has touched off strong objections from the public. On

the other hand, the issue has also drawn the attention of those of Hong

Kong who are concerned about the future of Macau.

The local press criticized the chairman of the Legislative

Assembly and the other three members for making too great a change in the

"organic constitution" in a bid to change the existing government

structure, without the slightest regard to the unique position of Macau. Besides, the draft would give too much power to the Legislative Assembly at the expense of the government, thus endangering the stability and

development of Macau, observed the press.

At a press conference on April 3, the drafters claimed that the proposed constitution had been endorsed by the President of Portugal. In

fact, the Governor of Macau, who is now in Lisbon to report on his work,

clearly indicated he was opposed to the proposed constitution. According

to a cable sent from the President's office, the President was also opposed

to the proposed constitution.

The local press described the proposed constitution as a

"political suicide".

If the situation in Macau becomes unstable, Hong Kong will be

adversely affected, as the two places are closely related. So, the public

opinions of Hong Kong are mostly opposed to a drastic change of the

government. structure of Macau.

/Macau