TNAG-2791-FCO40-4030-Relations-between-Hong-Kong-and-China.-With-maps-1993 — Page 119

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HKC 0201

RECEIVED IN REGISTRY

Horeign and Commonwealth Office

1993

London SW1A 2AH

DESK OFFICER

INDEX

REGISTRY

PA

Action Taken

mic

8 February, 1995

Michael Yahuda Esq

London School of Economics & Political Science

Houghton Street

London WC2A 2AE

Dear

Michael,

4

Many thanks for letting me see a copy of your article on Hong Kong.

I found this a comprehensive survey. You would not expect me to endorse every word of it. But I offer you à toutes fins utiles a couple of thoughts which I hope are not too self-serving:

You remark on pp 4-5 about the striking novelty of the notion that two such countries should agree to cooperate for 13 years. Then

. on p 9 you note that the JD has served as the

framework for the evolution of Hong Kong. But you do not say anywhere in the article that the JD framework has actually worked, at least for the first 9 of those 13 years, by sustaining confidence in Hong Kong and underpinning the extraordinary growth that has been achieved. Worth a sentence noting the success of Hong Kong during these years?

- I found your comments about LegCo's role

oddly disparaging. It really is more than a body whose "primary role is to advise the Governor". You mention that it has "some powers" such as enacting laws and passing the budget. Pretty significant powers in reality. It also holds the Government accountable (eg power to compel testimony in front of Select Committees, as at

-

Westminster). The one thing it can't do is impeach the Governor though even that will change from 1997. I think it is a pity to encourage the Chinese illusion that LegCo can