TNAG-1858-FCO40-2633-Legislative-Council-of-Hong-Kong-memoranda-and-minutes-of-me-1989 — Page 8

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HONG KONG LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

5 July 1989

The FAC report recommends that some groups should merit special treatment

Whilst I would not deprive anyone in Hong Kong of the right to take up any offer which eventually might be made by the British Government, I must point out that the talk of making special arrangements for a small number of groups would not be in the interest of this community as a whole. Moreover, half-way proposals short of granting full citizenship would only encourage people to leave rather than stay.

If the confidence crisis continues and people in Hong Kong are looking around the world for a home of last resort, the British Government should recognize the risk that this would certainly threaten the objective of maintaining and preserving the prosperity and stability of Hong Kong. This would be a contravention of article 4 of the Sino-British Joint Declaration if Hong Kong cannot achieve prosperity and stability.

To conclude my comments on this very disappointing area of the FAC report, I would argue that the British Government open its eyes and ears, and listen to the voices in Hong Kong for what many consider is one of the most effective ways to restore confidence. You, Sir, have also conveyed a message with force and conviction, and we are grateful. It now remains to be seen whether the British Government will abide by her tradition of honour and do what is solely in her power to restore confidence in Hong Kong.

report.

Now, I would like to touch briefly on some other areas of concern in the FAC

On the question of the Basic Law and the future political structure, I note that the committee appears to have come up with some constructive suggestions. However, my colleagues have not had the opportunity to discuss them in detail, but will be doing so in the coming weeks. I can only say that there is a swing in mood to a faster pace of democratization. I feel that the views of the people of Hong Kong are of paramount importance, and I urge the community to speak up.

I would like to comment on the question regarding the stationing of the People's Liberation Army in the future Special Administrative Region. I do share the view of the FAC that, given the tragic events in Beijing several weeks ago, the whole question requires to be re-examined carefully. To allay the fears of the people of Hong Kong, I do think the Chinese Government should be bold enough to face up to the fact that it would not be boosting confidence if they insist on stationing the People's Liberation Army in Hong Kong after 1997.

Another important point I wish to make is that there is perception in our community that as far as the Basic Law is concerned, it has drifted from the spirit and the letter of the Joint Declaration in the last two years. The Chinese Government insists that the Basic Law is a matter for the Chinese Government and the people of Hong Kong, but the British Government has the right as a signatory of the Joint Declaration and the responsibility as the sovereign of Hong Kong. To get the Basic