Veto warning: Patten threatens to reject bills that may upset China

Article Abstract:

Conflict seems imminent between Hong Kong's first fully elected Legislative Council and its colonial administration, headed by Governor Chris Patten. Many of the 120 bills tabled by the govt may be controversial, and Legco members plan to introduce their own bills sure to raise China's ire. Patten has threatened to veto some bills if they pass, the first use of such power since 1946; pro-democracy parties are his apparent target. However, many Legco members say a smoothly functioning chamber could impress China.

Political activity, Patten, Christopher, Hong Kong. Legislative Council

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Elephants' graveyard

Article Abstract:

Britain's colonial service will essentially die when Hongkong becomes Chinese in 1997. The colonial administrators who have made their last stand there will then have succeeded in their task of doing themselves out of a job. Only about 50 still work there, along with 1,400 civil servants. The 'retreads,' as the colonial officers refer to themselves, always avoided paper-shuffling; they prefer actual governing. Soon there will be nothing left to govern.

United Kingdom, Planning, Colonies, British colonies

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