TNAG-2329-FCO40-3373-Hong-Kong-contacts-with-academics-and-writers-1991 — Page 77

B.

The Structures

4.10.

4.11.

In Hong Kong, the debate about political change, and the link between representative government and autonomy under the Joint Declaration, has for some years been clouded with acrimony between those who feel that the responsibility of the British government has, or has not, been exercised in Hong Kong's best interests. Two views re-appear time and time again. On the one hand, it has been argued since 1984 that:-

"The direction of our future political reform is already set out

in the Joint Declaration and there is no

no reason why we should not proceed in that direction even now.

While on the other, it is said that:-

"

"The importance of achieving compatibility between the structure

of government as it continues to evolve up to 1997, and the structure of the future Hong Kong Special Administrative Region3 Government after 1997, is widely understood by the community.'

The latter

The former would allow the U.K. to reform on the basis of its understanding of the meaning of the Joint Declaration. would give the PRC viewpoint pre-eminence.

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Doubtless many people in Hong Kong did not want to see much evolution in the Colony's form of government. I am not saying those people were wrong, but my own view is inclined the other way, for I believe that democracy is a safeguard for autonomy and stability, at least where the elected representatives have the necessary powers and authority to do their job properly. Yet, I too have disagreed with the way the case for quicker democracy has been presented sometimes, and I have felt often that provoking China (as opposed to being straight with Chinese representatives) is wrong in principle and counter-productive.

But was the substance of the democracy argument not understandable to people who believe British institutions are meant to represent something in particular, especially given the exact words of the Joint Declaration? So should those people who did want to see more democracy happen at a faster pace have been accused so readily of irresponsibility and lack of credibility? I remember from 1988 the taints against democracy proponents; and I remember being affected by those taints, too readily I now think.

4.12.

Britain promised a "development of representative government", and the claim is made that that has happened already. It has, if by that is meant something other than directly elected representation, i.e. if the concepts are not used in a British sense. To some, it may seem as if doublespeak is being employed here. Terminology is crucial. On it could depend judgments on British government bona fides towards the people of Hong Kong, and the value of arrangements intended to protect