CO_1030_1459_HONG_KONG_CONSTITUTIONAL_DEVELOPMENT_1963_1965 — Page 62

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purposes in the Colonial context we look upon constitutions"

of a non-federal nature as comprising the institutions of

#B.

"national" or territory-wide significance. bocal government

changes may, as you say, stimulate or delay demands for change

There does not seem to be much

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in the national institutions.

evidence for taking a view that they will operate either way in

Hong Kong. It seems to us that those very small interests which

continually urge changes in the constitution are going to

persevere with their demands, whatever is done or not done.

in the field of local government, but that support for their

They views ould have to grow very considerably indeed before,merit:

ut.

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us consideration.

what, howwe, would the altitude of the Chirag founment be thing, It is changes in the "national" institutions which we think

will be likely to attract the

of the Chinese faveTHIS TUT

There might, for purely local reasons, be some inspired support

from local communist circles for any group opposing your proposals

for a particular area. But the Foreign Office view is, like

ours, that the C.P.G. is unlikely to object to your proposals

in any way which would make it difficult for the Hong Kong Government

to carry them through. Chinese reactions are always hard to predict,

but it is considered that in this case they are unlikely to be

moved unless they are looking for a bone of contention (of which

there is always a goodly selection). The Foreign Office conclusion

is stated as follows:-

local authorities

We see no reason to disagree. are to

ill be established in the New Territories by a distinct and separate

my pertops help to make it clear

The fact that ouerarent institutions

ordinance will help, I feel to emphasise for Chinese consumption

that local government development's in thet area do not affect and

are in no way related to the Colony's status or relationship with

the United Kingdom.

5. Carter gathered from his discussions with you that the

papalation you have in mind for this purpose would indicate

in broad terms the types of local authorities to be eet up and

/would

establishes

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