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sure that is right. In practice I think that the provision of
an elected element is on balance likely to be helpful in defusing
criticism of central government.
Argument
5.
The MPs did not ask Mr Blaker to respond to their comments.
They specifically said during their meeting that they simply
wanted him to note their views. The future of Hong Kong is a
highly delicate subject and we have all along been very careful
to limit speculative discussion about it. No reply to Mr Wakeham's
letter of 20 October is therefore necessary.
5 January 1981
Вир
R D Clift
Hong Kong and General Department
1.
Unless the two Members of Parliament have been in touch again
with Mr Blaker, I do not think any reply to Mr Wakeham's letter of 20 October is necessary.
2. On the substance of Mr Wakeham's letter, I think he exaggerates the idea that groupings and eventual political parties will emerge in Hong Kong following implementation of the Green Paper on Local Administration. All experience suggests that Hong Kong will remain in general apathetic on this front and most inhabitants will only get restless if the continued existence of Hong Kong is at stake or if there is no longer an opportunity to make money.
3.
Similarly, I find it ironical that Mr Wakeham should think
that the Governor had not fully taken on board ''the political implications'' of the Green Paper. Sir Murray MacLehose has shown
over a decade in Hong Kong that he has the most acute political
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