TNAG-1240-FCO40-1553-Future-of-Hong-Kong-1983 — Page 96

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It is possible that U.S. officials could attempt to influence the

course of events indirectly, especially through American leaders in business

and multinational corporations that have a strong interest in Hong Kong and

enjoy good ties with PRC leaders. These executives might be encouraged

to underscore in conversations with PRC leaders the advantages of a very

cautious and consistent Chinese policy regarding reassertion of Chinese

rule that presumably would help insure continued business confidence there.

American officials might also encourage Hong Kong leaders to be more

assertive in their discussions with PRC leaders in emphasizing the need for

Chinese restraint. According to a view prevalent in Hong Kong, only a few of

the large number of Hong Kong delegates who have visited recently with PRC

leaders in Beijing have forcefully asserted the need for a basically hands

off PRC approach to the colony. Rather, they have tended to listen politely

to PRC leaders suggestions for the colony's future and to convey those views

to the Hong Kong media.

Some observers point out that Hong Kong leaders who have recently trav-

eled to Beijing for talks with top PRC officials have not been more assertive

in putting forth Hong Kong's interests in part because many of them are very wealthy entrepeneurs who are prepared to flee the colony at the first signs of

13/ a serious decline in the status quo. It is also noted that Hong Kong resi-

dents do not have a well developed tradition of political activism.

ernment has been run by the Governor and the Cabinet which receives advisory support from the Executive and Legislative Councils representing leaders in

The Gov-

13/ This view was voiced to the author by several specialists who have had long experience in Hong Kong affairs.