TNAG-1331-FCO40-1758-Future-of-Hong-Kong-test-of-the-acceptability-of-the-Joint-D-1984 — Page 178

SECRET&

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a representative selection of the meetings at which the

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draft agreement was discussed as set out in Annex II.

The character and composition of these meetings were varied,

enabling us to listen to a wide range of views coming from

many different levels of the Hong Kong community. This

experience gave us a direct and valuable insight into

the reactions to the draft agreement which found more

formal expression in the many submissions we have read

from organisations and interest groups.

GENERAL OBSERVATIONS

11.

Before setting out our Conclusions we wish to

make two general observations about the conduct of the

assessment task.

12.

First, there had been no previous experience

in Hong Kong of such a massive consultation and assessment

exercise of which the organisation and terms of reference

had to be settled before the final outcome of the negotiations

with the Chinese Government was known; and some difficulties

were to be expected. There has been some sharp public

criticism of the value of the assessment task, to which

the Assessment Office itself could not reply; and, in

the light of it, we believe that more should have been done earlier at the political level to explain, as well

as to assert, the importance of consulting and assessing the views of Hong Kong on the draft agreement in all its

aspects. It was clearly evident that a people traditionally

reserved in political matters included many who were also

disposed to doubt the value of commenting on the overall