TNAG-2329-FCO40-3373-Hong-Kong-contacts-with-academics-and-writers-1991 — Page 62

3.15.

enforcement will impair the authority of the CPG, nor the lawful rights of persons who are subject to the laws of the SAR. At least, such is the theory. The idea may or may not help to understand the words of Deng Xiaoping.

"Don't think that all of Hong Kong's affairs will be managed by

Hong Kong, with the central government sitting by idly, and everything will be just fine. This is not acceptable. This type of attitude is not practical. The central government indeed will not meddle in the SAR's specific affairs; it will not need to meddle. However, what if something occurring within the SAR threatens the nation's basic interests? Can you say that such a situation could not arise? At that time, shouldn't Beijing concern itself with the matter? Can you say that no events will arise in Hong Kong which may be harmful to Hong Kong's own basic interests? Can you imagine that there will be no obstructions or destructive forces in Hong Kong? I see no grounds for such self consolation. If the central government abdicates all power over Hong Kong, then chaos may ensue, damaging Hong Kong's interests. Therefore, preserving certain powers for the central government is beneficial, not harmful, to Hong Kong.

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This is where we turn to "patriotism". In the PRC view, "'Hong Kong people administering Hong Kong' means that, under the leadership of the Central Government, the Hong Kong people themselves will manage specific legislative, administrative, judicial and other matters. Central Government will not,station people in Hong Kong to directly administer these affairs.

IT

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To quote Deng Xiaoping again:-

The

"There is the question of a demarcation line and criterion for

the Hong Kong people to administer the region. The criteria for determining who is to rule Hong Kong under the principle of 'Hong Kong people administering Hong Kong' must be that patriotic people are the specific Hong Kong people to rule Hong Kong. In the future, the Hong Kong government's key personnel will be patriots; of course, the government may also contain other types of people, and may even take on foreigners as advisers. Who are 'patriots'? The touchstone of a patriot is respect for his own nation, earnest and sincere support for the motherland's resumption of its sovereignty over Hong Kong and restraint from harming the stability and prosperity of Hong Kong. So long as they meet these requirements, they are patriots, no matter whether they believe in capitalism or feudalism or even the slave-owning system. We don't require them all to favour China's socialist system, but only ask them to love the motherland and Hong Kong" (Emphasis added.)

3.16.

But what will be the test of whether one "loves the motherland"? Let

me be frank and state my hypothesis. It is better that all know it. It is this: I fear that Hong Kong affairs may be subject to tensions