TNAG-1259-FCO40-1599-The-Future-of-Hong-Kong---special-study-by-FCO--August-1982--1983 — Page 61

SECRET

Degree of local autonomy

4.

Although formally speaking HMG could exercise control

over the Hong Kong Government in respect of all matters,

in fact they do not interfere in the day-to-day activities

of the Government and indeed any attempt at interference

would be greatly resented. In practical, though not in

constitutional, terms, the colony enjoys a substantial

measure of internal self-government, and but for its

geographical and political situation vis-à-vis China, would

long ago have become independent.

Legislative Council and Legislation from London

5.

Hong Kong has its own legislature consisting of the

Governor and a Legislative Council, with power to make laws

for the peace, order and good government of the Colony by

means of Ordinances. HMG have control over bills passed

by the Legislative Council since the Governor could be

instructed to refuse his assent to an objectionable bill

or reserve it for the signification of Her Majesty's pleasure,

as advised by HMG, while Ordinances assented to by the

Governor can be disallowed by the Crown on the advice of

HMG. Furthermore HMG could instruct the Governor to appoint

a greater number of public officers to the Legislative

Council so as to ensure the passage, or rejection, of

3

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