TNAG-1357-FCO40-1798-Constitutional-development-in-Hong-Kong-1985 — Page 20

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المود

The Objectives of the C.P.G.

26.

These are clear, only to the broad extent that

they desire minimum, preferably nil change from the present

position (which they maintain as having already gone beyond

the Joint Declaration), at least until they have announced

their ideas by way of the draft Basic Law.

they do not want, for example, direct election to the

Legislative Council; ostensibly because it would encourage

Certain things

This is

or permit K.M.T. (Nationalist Chinese) activity in a party

ON and live political context, which would in turn require Communist

The

ong

v

Party activity.

The handover the present constitutional

position with the considerable powers vested in the Governor

and the theoretical lack of legislative or popular influence

over these powers, would suit them very well.

Hong Kong Public Opinion and its Wishes

27.

There is considerable caution about rapid or

substantial change, based on a long tradition of minimal

involvement with Government processes, and a fearof C.P.G.

reaction.

Recently there has developed a small but

outspoken minority in favour of direct elections, suggesting

that a start be made of up to one-third of the membership of

Legislatige Council following the 1987 Review. Interest

has been expressed in a ministerial system, probably because

it would reflect Unofficials being in charge, as opposed

to the Civil Service;

but there is no clarity as to how this

would work and there are definite doubts about the implications

of the development of political parties in order to produce

such a system. There is also a vocal minority from the

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Jear yet

?

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