Page 105 of 233
172
HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL
It is obvious a bridging arrangement is needed to achieve a smooth transition. In order to achieve consistency between 1996 and 1998, the New Hong Kong Passport should be designed, with the Hong Kong crest and all, and start circulation in approximately 1994 by an arrangement whereby the Chinese Central Government, with the consent of the British Government, appoints the Hong Kong Government as an agent to carry out the task. I know it is not easy and perhaps without precedent, but 'One country Two systems' is also without precedent, and so is British decolonization by handing back sovereignty. I do know, however, that there are precedents of one sovereign state designating other friendly sovereign states to act on their behalf in matters concerning consular affairs. I am sure the Joint Liaison Group could work this out in the next ten years!
Transition
Another aspect of a smooth transition is understanding between Hong Kong and the rest of China. In addition to various business contacts which have been built up over the years, we need to improve communications on all fronts, which will lessen the chances of misunderstanding or misinterpretation when it comes to drafting the Basic Law or implementing the Agreement. One point I would like to note is that in preparation for the debate in Parliament over the Agreement on Hong Kong, the Government is spending a lot of money to sponsor Members of Parliament to visit Hong Kong. When this exercise is over, perhaps Government can look at how we can do similar exercises for senior members of the Chinese establishment so that they can see for themselves what makes Hong Kong tick and build up their confidence and trust in us.
Communications is two-directional, and we also need to understand more of how China ticks. I feel it quite ironic that when I was studying for G.C.E. A level in England as a student, Chinese History was one subject that went right up to the early Fifties, including quite objective views on how Hong Kong came into being and the causes and result of civil war in China. On the other hand, secondary students in Hong Kong reached a blank on Chinese History when they got to the 19th century.
Assessment Office
There has been a lot of sceptical talk about the usefulness of the Assessment Office. We are on the spot here in Hong Kong and it is easier for us to know what Hong Kong people think, but most British M.P.'s do not know Hong Kong, so I accept that they do need some impartial advice to help them determine whether the Agreement should be signed or not be signed.
Hong Kong people do not have the habit of writing to someone or telephoning to say that they like or accept something, they only complain when they don't like something. This type of inertia is probably not just common among Chinese people in Hong Kong, but the world over.
HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL
Page 105 of 233
173
Hong Kong relies a lot on foreign investment, and I am sure that potential foreign investors who do not necessarily know Hong Kong well might be quite interested in assessing whether Hong Kong people accept the agreement. If we are not positive ourselves, how can we expect overseas investors to put their faith and money on us, after all it is the five million people working here who make the place tick.
Every citizen who writes to the Assessment Office can be doing Hong Kong great service, in fact, I would almost call it a duty. Even if you are not inclined to write long letters or speeches on details of the agreement, the least one can do is to simply say to sign or not to sign, or accept or not accept. Although the agreement is taken as a whole, I believe any individual points or doubts raised can at least provide more clarification or even have a positive influence on future implementation or drafting of the Basic Law. After all, both governments do now have a track record over two years' negotiations of listening to Hong Kong people's views. Now it is our turn to be 'Useful and Constructive'.
Conclusion
We have in front of us a menu, designed by the chefs. Judging by the wording, it appears to be a fantastic banquet with superior shark's fin, suckling pig, and seafood. But we don't know what it tastes like until it is cooked 12 years later. One choice is to have faith and patience by staying around and helping to cook it. Another choice is to go away and forgo the banquet, but if you do that, the best you can have to eat is fish and chips or hot dogs, which we are not used to eating and which most Chinese do not regard as a proper meal.
Having seen the draft agreement, Mr. Chairman, I can state categorically that I currently have no plans to emigrate and intend to stay in Hong Kong to try my best to make it work.
With these words, I support the motion.
Speech by Mr. Howard YOUNG Y's Men's Club of Hong Kong Mandarin Hotel, 9 August 1984
1997, Nationality, Passports and Freedom of Travel
Appendix A
I am glad that I am given this opportunity to address you after lunch, and not before, because over the past two years, 1997 and the future of Hong Kong have been talked about on so many occasions that it is the most likely thing to cause loss of appetite.
Ever since Sir Geoffrey Howe had his press conference last week, there appears to be a euphoria of optimism that has to a great extent blown away much of the clouds of gloom that had engulfed Hong Kong for over a year. However, we must not automatically assume all is well and all will be well, for The Foreign Secretary clearly did mention there were at least three areas where agreement has yet to be reached, namely, Land, Civil Aviation, and Nationality.
I do not claim to know much about the complexity of the issue of Land, except that I pay rates and live on land where the lease expires in 1997. Neither have I got permission from my boss to
Page 105
Page 106
Page 106 of 233
Page 105 of 233
172
HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL
It is obvious a bridging arrangement is needed to achieve a smooth transition. In order to achieve consistency between 1996 and 1998, the New Hong Kong Passport should be designed, with the Hong Kong crest and all, and start circulation in approximately 1994 by an arrangement whereby the Chinese Central Government, with the consent of the British Government, appoints the Hong Kong Government as an agent to carry out the task. I know it is not easy and perhaps without precedent, but 'One country Two systems' is also without precedent, and so is British decolonization by handing back sovereignty. I do know, however, that there are precedents of one sovereign state designating other friendly sovereign states to act on their behalf in matters concerning consular affairs. I am sure the Joint Liaison Group could work this out in the next ten years!
Transition
Another aspect of a smooth transition is understanding between Hong Kong and the rest of China. In addition to various business contacts which have been built up over the years, we need to improve communications on all fronts, which will lessen the chances of misunderstanding or misinterpretation when it comes to drafting the Basic Law or implementing the Agreement. One point I would like to note is that in preparation for the debate in Parliament over the Agreement on Hong Kong, the Government is spending a lot of money to sponsor Members of Parliament to visit Hong Kong. When this exercise is over, perhaps Government can look at how we can do similar exercises for senior members of the Chinese establishment so that they can see for themselves what makes Hong Kong tick and build up their confidence and trust in us.
Communications is two directional, and we also need to understand more of how China ticks. I feel it quite ironic that when I was studying for G.C.E. A level in England as a student, Chinese History was one subject that went right up to the early Fifties, including quite objective views on how Hong Kong come into being and the causes and result of civil war in China. On the other hand, secondary students in Hong Kong reached a blank on Chinese History when they got to the 19th century.
Assessment Office
There has been a lot of sceptical talk about the usefulness of the Assessment Office. We are on the spot here in Hong Kong and it is easier for us to know what Hong Kong people think, but most British M.P.'s do not know Hong Kong, so I accept that they do need some impartial advice to help them determine whether the Agreement should be signed or not be signed.
Hong Kong people do not have the habit of writing to someone or telephoning to say that they like or accept something, they only complain when they don't like something. This type of inertia is probably not just common of Chinese people in Hong Kong, but the world over.
HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL
Page 105 of 233
173
Hong Kong relies a lot on foreign investment, and I am sure that potential foreign investors who do not necessarily know Hong Kong well might be quite interested in assessing whether Hong Kong people accept the agreement. If we are not positive ourselves, how can we expect overseas investors to put their faith and money on us, after all it is the five million people working here who
make the place tick.
Every citizen who writes to the Assessment Office can be doing Hong Kong great service, in fact I would almost call it a duty. Even if you are not inclined to write long letters or speeches on details of the agreement, the least one can do is to simply say to sign or not to sign, or accept or not accept. Although the agreement is taken as a whole, I believe any individual points or doubts raised can at least provide more clarification or even have a positive influence on future implementation or drafting of the Basic Law. After all, both governments do now have a track record over two years' negotiations of listening to Hong Kong peoples' views. Now it is our turn to be 'Useful and Constructive'.
Conclusion
We have in front of us a menu, designed by the chefs. Judging by the wording, it appears to be a fantastic banquet with superior sharks fin, suckling pig and seafood. But we don't know what it tastes like until it is cooked 12 years later. One choice is have faith and patience by staying around and helping to cook it. Another choice is to go away and forgo the banquet, but if you do that, the best you can have to eat is fish and chips or hot dogs, which we are not used to eating and which most Chinese do not regard as a proper meal.
Having seen the draft agreement, Mr. Chairman, I can state categorically that I currently have no plans to emigrate and intend to stay in Hong Kong to try my best to make it work.
With these words, I support the motion.
Speech by Mr. Howard YOUNG Y's Men's Club of Ilong Kong Mandarin Hotel, 9 August 1984
1997, Nationality, Passports and Freedom of Travel
Appendix A
I am glad that I am given this opportunity to address you after lunch, and not before, because over the past two years, 1997 and the future of Hong Kong has been talked about on so many occasions that it is the most likely thing to cause loss of appetite.
Ever since Sir Geoffrey Howe had his press conference last week, there appears to be a euphoria of optimism that has to a great extent blown away much of the clouds of gloom that had engulfed Hong Kong for over a year. However, we must not automatically assume all is well and all will be well, for The Foreign Secretary clearly did mention there were at least three areas where agreement
yet to be reached, namely, Land, Civil Aviation and Nationality.
has
I do not claim to know much about the complexity of the issue of Land, except that I pay rates and live on land where the lease expires in 1997. Neither have I got permission from my boss to
Page 105Page 106
Page 106 of 233
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.