TNAG-1310-FCO40-1667-Future-of-Hong-Kong-1984 — Page 217

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HONG KONG LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL — 14 March 1984

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discussions are normally lengthy and they cover many different aspects of the problem. I feel strongly that if we do not concern ourselves with the futu Hong Kong, if we cannot make useful contributions towards the future, then we are not worthy of being Unofficial Members of this Council. It is my firm belief that it is at this critical time in the history of Hong Kong, the people of Hong Kong would be able to look to UMELCO to provide some leadership in guiding Hong Kong through this crisis, but also to help to achieve the avowed objective of both the Chinese and British Governments of maintaining stability and prosperity in Hong Kong. Afterall, who can be more concerned about this than the people of Hong Kong.

Like many of my Unofficial Colleagues, I have received many letters and representations from various groups and individuals. They have expressed to me fully their views with regard to the future. I have also met many groups during 1983, mainly to listen to their views. There have been occasions when I was asked to speak. I came to the conclusion that our people, whether rich or poor, are deeply concerned about the uncertainty of the future. They want to know whether their views will be taken into account. They want to know whether their voices are being heard by both Beijing and London. They have questioned and are questioning why the negotiations between the two governments concerning our own future are being kept a secret from us. Even though they understand the sensitivity of the issues, they have asked me time and time again, to find out the truth. I am not privy to the details of the negotiations, and therefore I cannot answer those questions put to me. But judging from the newspaper reports, it is highly improbable that the present administration will continue beyond 30 June 1997.

Sir, no one I have spoken to has disputed China's claim of sovereignty over Hong Kong; and I believe no one will do so in the future. In fact, Hong Kong soil is Chinese soil. But then, why are the people of Hong Kong so worried about their future? Why are so many fears being expressed? I have come to the conclusion that it is basically because there is no known precedent for one country to operate successfully under two totally opposite systems at the same time, nobody knows whether it will work.

I am not an expert in political systems. Recently I had a brief opportunity to meet Dr. BRZEZINSKI, the former U.S. National Security Council Advisor under the Carter Administration, during his short visit to Hong Kong, he was asked about the feasibility of such a scheme, his answer was: 'Only time can tell.' I have my own doubts as to whether or not such a combination of political systems can work to maintain Hong Kong's prosperity and stability or whether the people of Hong Kong will find such proposal acceptable.

We know as a fact that some Hong Kong people have already transformed their fears into actions by leaving Hong Kong or making provisions to leave in the future, while such actions are perfectly understandable, yet in my opinion, they are not constructive in achieving the common objective. We should not doubt the sincerity of the Chinese leaders in wishing to maintain our prosperity