TNAG-1375-FCO40-1822-Visits-by-Chinese-officials-to-Hong-Kong-1985 — Page 79

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crossing, an even

system, a more up to date

etc.

etc.

This

is

larger container port, a muc ch larger university

stock exchange, more hotels for

for tourists,

practical evidence that we are working

conscientiously to preserve prosperity and stability, a s we said we

would do in the Joint Declaration, with the aim

Kong will still be a thriving and successful community.

9.

that by 1997 Hong

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

greater and more

and have sought to

demand for such

to take a much

The

We believe

progressed people have come

articulate interest in the process of government

play a greater role in government.

participation would have grown irrespective of 1997.

that, far from threatening stability, we have contributed to the

maintenance of stability by responding to that demand, which comes

not just from the professional but from the community

The professional middle classes, however, although relatively

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

will not stay in a society which does

They in particular will find it easy to

them that their aspirations can be met to encourage

10.

as a whole.

not meet their aspirations.

leave: our aim is by showing

them to stay.

The Chinese Government too will have to play its part in

this professional class that their aspirations will be

convincing

met.

11.

Nevertheless, we

We have proceeded very cautiously.

have SO

far introduced only limited indirect elections: there has been

strong criticism from some

enough.

We

arrangements

steps

that

far

quarters

we have not gone

that we wish to see how the present

whether an

what further

have made clear

work before deciding in 1987

are needed.X The Chinese themselves

consultation through the Basic Law Drafting

Consultative

generate

have set up a system of

Committee and Basic Law

This

great a

Committee, which

deal

we

welcome.

of discussion on

the kind

of

Y Kyver all, the Toni'l Declaration callo for

will in itself

structure Hong

'an elected legislatur

hi 1997.

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