TNAG-1397-FCO40-1869-Future-of-Hong-Kong-Basic-Law-1985 — Page 235

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It is stipulated in the Sino-British Agreement that Britain

would be responsible for the administration of Hong Kong before 1997.

To comply with the Agreement, Beijing has taken a 'no comment' attitude towards

Hong Kong's development of a representative government and its Legislative

Council (Powers and Privileges) Bill. The British are confident to succeed

if they are to resist Beijing's intervention. But, to resist the increasing

participation in the affairs of Hong Kong by the local people, it neede

s sophisticated tactic and a very covert sleight of hand.