TNAG-1438-FCO40-1922-Constitutional-development-in-Hong-Kong-1986 — Page 137

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The political system should change as a consequence of self rule in 1997. The primary objective of the change is to maintain Hong

Kong's economic porsperity under the 'Hongkong people ruling Hong Kong' framework. If Hong Kong has no means of earning more foreign exchange

and maintaining the simultaneous development of both finance and

industry, it will be very difficult for her to win the favour of Beijing.

"Democratic resistance to communism" is only an unrealistic and blind

challenge. It is only when Hong Kong and China enjoy harmonious

relations, when they learn from each other's merits to make up for

shortcomings and only when there is mutual trust and cooperation that

prosperity and stability can be maintained. Only when such conditions

exist can businessmen make money and workers improve their lives as

their income levels go up. To stir up in Hongkong people feelings

of resistance and antagonism towards the mother-country will not lead

to anything meaningful. Hong Kong cannot have her own army. Even

if she does, what is the use? Why stir up quarrels and bring troubles

to Beijing everyday? To quarrel with Beijing day after day will only

put Hongkong people in an unfavourable position. Will this bring

prosperity and stability to Hong Kong? The most important thing for

Hong Kong is to preserve the existing freedoms of life, of travel

and of trade. And these are entirely acceptable to China. As long

as the chief executive does not become autocratic and violate the

people's existing rights, Hongkong people can set their hearts at ease.

It is already stipulated in the Sino-British Agreement that any resident

whose rights have been violated can take the government department's

action to court. The government departments must abide by the law.

These important rights will have to be written into the Basic Law.

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'Hongkong people ruling Hong Kong' is a democratic right

conferred on Hongkong people by Beijing. When exercising this right,

Hongkong people must know its limits. The limits are: (1) There should

be no violation of or insult to the unified sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Central Government. (2) There should not be dangerous

factors planted in the territory's administration which may lead to

changes, instability and the fall of the government. Beijing does not

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