TNAG-1287-FCO40-1638-Constitutional-development-in-Hong-Kong-1984 — Page 31

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W220

ASSOCIATION FOR THE PROMOTION OF PUBLIC JUSTICE

九觼公主遊

四十八號地下

香港公義促進會

電話:3-422414 3-044185

48 Princess Margaret Road, G/F

Homantin, Kowloon.

Tel. 3-422414 3-044185

Our Ref.

Your Ref.

15th. June, 1984.

To the Hong Kong Press

Political Changes and the Green Paper

Hong Kong has been promised a Green Paper on constitutional changes during the thirteen years between now and 1997. ▲ Green Paper is supposed to be a discussion paper, after which an amended White Paper will be produced and become law. The White Paper is supposed to incorporate public opinion,

The Hong Kong Government's track record for Green Papers is far from good. These papers have usually turned out to be White Papers dressed in green christening robes. One can recall no exceptions. Amendments have

been negligible, if any at all.

The fact that Green Papers are put out very near to the time of their proposed implementation betrays the fact that there will be no substantial changes, whatever the public may say,

•

The Green Paper on constitutional changes promised for July will be no exception. Elections have already been arranged for March 1985, and by then the foundation for Hong Kong's future will already be laid

if we Hong Kong people allow that to happen.

The ultra-colonials at Lower Albert Road are not politicians in the British sense of the word. They do not believe in democracy, except among their own little clique. They have cooked up the so-called "consultative system" in order to preserve their own power. By making appointments to their consultative bodies, they have assured themselves of positive acceptance of any laws or policies they may wish to make. It is not difficult to find collaborators who will accept appointments to their higher councils, because in Hong Kong wealth, power, prestige and social status have always taken pre- cedence over people and their needs. Climbers know how to bow to those above them and stamp on those below them. Ruler and appointee are willing to co-operate for the mutual benefit of both and to hell with the rest of the population.

Since no one at present in the seats of power knows the meaning of democracy, we believe that others are needed at the helm during this crucial transition period, until we can get the right people in power. By "right people"