TNAG-1238-FCO40-1551-Future-of-Hong-Kong-1983 — Page 24

2

-

(1)

(2)

(3)

Hong Kong exists on the basis of its being a free city. In order that it can continue to

exist, its status quo must be maintained.

We can say that the common wish of the absolute majority of Hong Kong citizens is that the status quo should be maintained.

What we mean by maintenance of the status quo chiefly incorporates the following points :-

Free enterprise, and a free economy, with the operation of enterprises uninterfered by the Government.

The integrity of judicial independence must be maintained; everybody is equal under the

law; the personal freedom of citizens will not be tampered with; citizens are allowed by the law to openly criticize and accuse the

Government.

Residents can enjoy the freedom of speech, freedom of the press, freedom of movement and freedom to enter or leave the territory.

The principles of human rights should not be interfered with. These include the freedom

of thoughts and choice of political standing.

In order to maintain the status quo, these are the unwavering basic principles to be upheld.

During the past few months, the formula of "Hong Kong to be run by its own people" was proposed and publicized. This proposal is impracticable and can never be implemented. As it has bean clearly pointed out by the majority of newspapers representing public opinion here:

Even if we do not call the propos:l a fraud, we must surely regard it as an empty dream,

/p. 3