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23.
Individual groups have collaborated over particular issues, but there has been as yet little indication of the emergence of permanent political groupings. Although it scomod possible at one stage that the Hong Kong Observers might develop into a political party, thi has not in act happened. Nonetheless, the transformation of pressure groups cither individually or collectively into a political force remains a possibility.
Hong Kong's Overseas Image
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Another area where damage, actual or potential, be caused by pressure groups is th. impact they can have on Hong Kong's overseas imago. Through overseas contacts, or through visiting Members of Parliament, groups have often managed to bring issues to the attention of the British press, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, Parliment and Hong Kong's overseas critics. Despite the strenuous efforts of the London Office, it is difficult to craso completely the unattractive imago of Hong Kong that can be created by presenting issues in an unfavourable light. Some of the mud sticks. Youmatei boat squatters issue is again an illustration. result of its being brought, y SoCo, to the attention of M.P.s in Britain, questions were raised in both Houses of Parliament. Despite a strong case in lleng Kong's defence Hong Kong's reputation probably suffered quite apart from the time and effort spent by officials of both Hong Kong and H.M. Governments in dealing with cnquiries from uninformed overseas critics.
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25.
Some of the publications of the pressure groups aro sent to oversens contacts, such as Hong Kong students and critics in overseas countries. The critical and often distorted information contained in those publications is ammunition "from the horse's mouth" for unfriendly critics and is bound to effect Hong Kong's image overscas. On this score alone the activitios of local pressure groups must be closely monitored.
Counteracting Stretc
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Pressure groups are now part of Hong Kong life. Some may become dermant, or even lisappear, with the achievement of their objective, withdrawal of Financial support or the fading of curront loaders. But as the community as a whole is becoming more vocal and demanding of the Government, proscuro group activities are likely to grow in complexity and magnitudo. The Government and individual members of the civil service, like their counterparts in most developed countries, must therefore accept this as a feature in their work.
27.
Given the diversity of pressure group activities and the individual characteristics end background of their loaders, it is extremely difficult, if not entirely impossible, to devise a single strategy to deal with them. The guidelines must be flexibility and common sence, with different approaches of detail to donl with different pressure group activities. general, the following principles appear valid :
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