TNAG-1441-FCO40-1925-Constitutional-development-in-Hong-Kong-1987 — Page 46

what about

the rest?

Why the industrialists and businessmen took action

The long-term strategy of the British is to maintain friendly

ties and develop trade with Peking through Hong Kong. If Hong Kong's existing legal and political framework is maintained after 1997, those who are pro-British can still play a great number of roles within this framework. Nevertheless, certain "outspoken" individuals are already impatient to seize power and kick aside the pro-Establishment well before 1997. They have prematurely exposed their disposition of "not giving face". Come 1997, they will naturally ignore the British all the more

and do as they wish.

It is precisely because of this that the British will take greater pains to select their successors before 1997, so as to prevent some people from causing havoc in Hong Kong during the transition period and to prevent the appearance of a group of politicos who "do no good to Britain, do harm to China and ultimately destroy the chances for both sides". The transition period is a time for grooming Hong Kong's future administrators. A political system acceptable to both China

and Britain is the training ground for the future politicians of

Hong Kong.

In the past, Hong Kong's businessmen and members of the upper middle class have relied on the British to pave the way for their participation in politics. Their hope is that after 1997, Peking will come out to create a favourable political and economic environment for them. Some people from the upper classes were heard

What we fear to say: "We are not afraid of people like Xu Jiatun. most are politicos who cause havoc in Hong Kong". What they imply is that Peking should best help to dispel their worries and take charge

of everything.

But under Peking's policy, "Hongkong people ruling Hong Kong" means that Hong Kong will be administered by Hongkong people. Hong Kong's businessmen, industrialists and upper middle class should learn how to take part in politics and protect their own interests.

/ If