TNAG-1880-FCO40-2671-Student-demonstrations-and-internal-political-situation-in-C-1989 — Page 105

of the administrators. Many people in the industrial, commercial, financial

and professional field are not completely at ease with street politics, mass meetings, impromptu speeches, the milling reeling of political engagements or

electioneering. However, they have wide connection and high prestige in

their own field. If they can be elected from the functional constituencies,

Hong Kong will have a group of elite administrators. If the channel is

blocked, some of the talented persons will be strangled imperceptibly. It

is believed that Hong Kong people, after serious consideration, will not

adopt a totally negative attitude towards functional constituency election.

Martial Law in Beijing Affects Basic Law

The martial law order imposed in Beijing has also aroused

aversion in Hong Kong. Such aversion would surely affect the drafting

of the Basic Law. It seems that the people of Hong Kong will fight vigorously against the imposition of martial law by the State

President or Premier in the absence of foreign military subversion or

attack. In the event of an internal disturbance in Hong Kong, martial

law should be imposed by the Chief Executive of Hong Kong with the approval of the majority of the Legislative and Executive Councils.

However, the people of Hong Kong should give careful consideration to two factors in their strive for a high degree of autonomy: 1) It should

not result in an independent political entity; 2) It should consider the

long-term development of the political situation in China.

Should laws that may lead to breaking up the country be

promulgated as a result of the temporary complications and overcast,

factors of instability will be precipitated. Je should bear in mind

that the smaller the change is in Hong Kong, the bigger its stability

will be.

Moreover, in an earlier stage, some people harboured the thought

of "using democracy to resist China". However, the situation has

developed rapidly. Now it is in China where a massive patriotic pro-

democracy movement has taken place. The movement has stimulated the

political awareness of the Hong Kong people and quickened the pace of

democracy in the territory. The wheel of history is rolling forward.

No matter what happens, China will progress in the direction of democracy

and rule by law, and such a direction will not be changed by anybody's

As long as such a noint of view is adhered to, one should not

will.

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