TNAG-1239-FCO40-1552-Future-of-Hong-Kong-1983 — Page 86

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Chinese sovereignty might be exercised. On a different scale the

problem is comparable to the view of the Dublin Government towards

Northern Ireland.

9.

Nevertheless, it could well be necessary for HMG to

demonstrate, in order to satisfy Parliament and to a lesser extent international opinion, that support for the proposed arrangements

went wider than the unelected Executive or Legislative Councils.

Options would be:

(a)

(b)

(c)

Discussion in the Urban Council and District Boards. These are

partially elected by universal suffrage, although turn out in

the elections has been small. It would not be easy to get over

the essential issues to bodies which are really a form of

municipal or borough council. Nevertheless this would probably

be the main means of wider consultation.

Discussion with other bodies and pressure groups. There is a

wide range of these. The most articulate are not however very

representative of the grass roots. One of the most effective means might be through Mutual Aids Committees and residents

associations which are broadly representative of quite a large section of lower income groups.

Unofficial opinion polls. There have already been a number of these, generally indicating a preference for continuation of the status quo. Others will certainly be organised in the

months ahead. It would be possible for the Hong Kong Government to inspire such polls and even possibly to fund them

although this would have to be done very discreetly.

10. We are unlikely to be able to prove absolutely the acceptability of an arrangement on Hong Kong as has been usually possible before granting independence to other colonies. We shall have to rely primarily on EXCO, to involve Unofficials as much as possible in changes of approach during the negotiations and to boost the prestige of EXCO in Hong Kong. We should consult the Governor further about ways in which consultation might be extended. We should also ensure that public and parliamentary opinion in this

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