TNAG-1880-FCO40-2671-Student-demonstrations-and-internal-political-situation-in-C-1989 — Page 96

there has been little civic education.

However, the Beijing patriotic

pro-democracy movement has awaken the people of Hong Kong and its

significance is far-reaching.

The leftist organizations and groups,, together with their members,adopted a clear-cut stand and threw themselves into the patriotic pro-democracy tide. In so doing, they run far greater risks than the other people of Hong Kong. This ardent act of unyielding bravery is worth the

respect of the people of Hong Kong.

The people of Hong Kong have all along been biased to a certain

extent against the leftists, whom they regard as Beijing's yes-men, not

daring to hold a view different from that of the central leadership on issues concerning the interests of Hong Kong. However, during the recent events, when the leftists adhered themselves to the truth, their conscience

and unyielding bravery as well as their readiness to sacrifice and their indomitable spirit were well manifested. Judging from this, the leftists

still remain an important political force, a patriotic and righteous one,

in Hong Kong.

However, the sudden turn of events will inevitably affect people's

views on the future. Some, being pessimistic and disillusioned about their

future, will strive to expedite emigration. There are, nevertheless, many others (including leftists, rightists and midle-of-the-roaders), who see

in this great people's democratic movement the dawn of democracy and hope

of the motherland, decide to remain in Hong Kong to serve the motherland

and contribute to the prosperity of Hong Kong Compared with the

patriotic students in Beijing, the sacrifices the people of Hong Kong have

made and the risks they have taken are indeed inconsequential. The road

is tortuous, but the future is bright. A powerful force is already in

existence in the hearts of tens of millions of Chinese people.

This

force is irresistible. The history of China will certainly move forward

along the popular wish of the people.

Is the Enactment of the Basic Law Still Useful?

In respect of the Basic Law, the attitude of the people of Hong

Kong are divided. Pome consider that given the current political situation,

it is useless to enact

the Basic Law. They tend to give up and adopt

a negative attitude towards the document.