TNAG-1357-FCO40-1798-Constitutional-development-in-Hong-Kong-1985 — Page 21

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business community which wants no change at all because things

run satisfactorily under the present system, and they fear

possible demagogues and the "free lunch" syndrome.

28.

Most people in Hong Kong are probably waiting to see

what the C.P.G. indicate they want, and how effective they

are in manoevring for what they want. If this is pretty

well acceptable, most people are unlikely to express publicly

a desire for greater change.

Options for 1987 Review

29.

General Approach

The approach is that no fundamental re-structuring of

the Government system is possible or indeed desirable, but

that further evolution and adaptation is required, to arrive

in good time before 1997 at the structure outlined in the

Joint Declaration, and to satisfy the expectations and meet

the wishes of Hong Kong people. Imported models of government

are not the answer; organic growth is the watchword. The

less obviously any changes can be made, the greater will be

the possibility of persuading the P.R.C. not to kick against

them now;

and later, to allow them to continue beyond 1997.

The broad support of all sectors of the Hong Kong Community

must be retained, and the influence of minorities, either

radical or conservative must not be over-rated.

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