TNAG-1357-FCO40-1798-Constitutional-development-in-Hong-Kong-1985 — Page 161

CONFIDENTIAL

crossing, an even

etc.

etc.

larger

container port, a much larger university

stock exchange, more hotels for tourists,

system, a more up to date

This is practical evidence that we are working conscientiously to preserve prosperity and stability, as we said we would do in the Joint Declaration, with the a im that by 1997 Hong Kong will still be a thriving and successful community.

9.

to take a much

in the process of government

The

As regards the development of representative government it is important to understand that Hong Kong has now a highly developed capitalist economic and social system. Over the last 10 or 15 years that system has come both to need and

to produce a highly educated and professional middle class of engineers, lawyers, accountants, bankers, managers and

communications experts.

As education has

progressed people have come

greater and more articulate interest

and have sought to play a greater role in government.

demand for such

participation would have grown irrespective of 1997. We believe

that, far from threatening stability, we have

contributed to the maintenance of stability by responding to that demand, which come a not just from the professional but from the community The professional middle classes, however, al though

small in number are of vital importance to Hong Kong's

will not stay in a society which does not meet their aspirations. They in particular will find it easy to leave: our aim is by showing them that their aspirations can be met to encourage them to stay.

10.

a 8 a whole

relatively

economy and

The Chinese Government too will have to play its part in

this professional class that their aspirations will be

convincing

met.

11.

Nevertheless, we

far introduced only

strong criticism from some

enough.

We have made clear

have proceeded very cautiously. We have

limited indirect elections: there has bee

quarters that we have not gone

that we wish to see how the prese

before deciding in 1987 whether an what furth

The Chinese themselves have set up a system consultation through the Basic Law Drafting Committee and Basic

Consultative Committee, which we welcome.

arrangements work

steps are needed.

This will

generate a great deal of discussion on the kind of struc

CONFIDEN TIAL