ENG-1984 — Page 61

THE SINO-BRITISH JOINT DECLARATION ON THE FUTURE OF HONG KONG

Move to Representative Government

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Given that Hong Kong will be a Special Administrative Region within China after 1997, with an elected legislature enjoying a high degree of autonomy, it is essential that a government structure consisting largely of local people is in place and in proper working order well before 1997. It is therefore necessary to move to a more representative form of government, transferring the powers of the present colonial government to the elected representatives of the people of Hong Kong.

In this respect, UMELCO welcome and support the basic proposals and the progressive approach outlined in both the Green and White Papers on the Further Development of Representative Government in Hong Kong. However, Unofficial Members echo the caution expressed in many quarters against any rapid or radical changes which may put at risk Hong Kong's raison d'etre, that is, stability and prosperity.

Hong Kong is not an independent state and can never be. Despite the promise of a high degree of autonomy, its subsidiary relationship with the Chinese Central Government must be understood and accepted. Parliamentary government as practised in the West, featuring adversarial politics, is not necessarily suited to Hong Kong, recognising Hong Kong's unique status and the political constraints placed upon it by this status. Hong Kong must, therefore, devise its own unique style of representative government, building on the proven elements which have been responsible for Hong Kong's success.

The Next Twelve Years

Most people in Hong Kong believe that only if stability and prosperity are maintained in the period prior to 1997 can there be any hope that stability and prosperity will be continued for fifty years after 1997. It is therefore generally felt that the next twelve years will be critical and crucial to Hong Kong's continual success beyond 1997. It is essential, therefore, that all concerned, Britain, China and the people of Hong Kong, play their part in furthering Hong Kong's stability and prosperity in the next 12 years.

The main task for Her Majesty's Government in the next twelve years is to ensure a smooth transition, so that 1997 does not represent an abrupt break with the past, but the continuation of a gradual process of evolution. To allay fears of Britain losing interest in Hong Kong, it is important that HMG continue to govern Hong Kong effectively. It must demonstrate its continual determination, resolve and commitment to Hong Kong's stability and prosperity.

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The Chinese Government must demonstrate its willingness to listen to the views and wishes of the people of Hong Kong. In particular, given the great significance attached by the people of Hong Kong to the Basic Law, it is hoped that, as was suggested by the Unofficial Members to the Chinese leaders in Beijing in June this year, the people of Hong Kong should be consulted on, and participate in, the drafting of the Basic Law.

As for the people of Hong Kong, they understand that the aim of the draft agreement is the maintenance of Hong Kong's stability and prosperity, and that stability and prosperity are the product of, among other qualities, their energy, talent, industry and confidence. The Agreement provides a sound basis on which to continue to apply these attributes. The people of Hong Kong are ready and willing to take on the challenge of the new circumstances they face. Given understanding and sensitivity by the two signatory Governments and their firm commitment to implementing the Joint Declaration in both letter and spirit, the people of Hong Kong will succeed in maintaining Hong Kong's stability and prosperity, and in making the draft agreement work.