Yesterday the chief executive-designate Tung Chee-hwa returned from his one-day visit to the Chinese capital, the second since he was selected on December 11. It is unclear why he had to make this unplanned visit.
It would boost confidence in the territory if the Chinese Government demonstrated that Mr Tung could act with a high degree of autonomy and did not have to seek instructions from Beijing all the time.
Although Hong Kong is a colony, Governor Chris Patten enjoys top level access in London. This is possible only because of his special relationship with Prime Minister John Major. His predecessor could only report to middle ranking officials in the Foreign Office.
After Francis Maude became foreign minister in the aftermath of the Tiananmen massacre on June 4, 1989, he gave instructions for Sir David Wilson to report directly to him.
Since the Chinese are just as rank conscious as the British, if Mr Tung could have direct access to the top leadership in Beijing it would enhance his own status as well as boost local confidence. Mr Tung must also show he is able to take decisions without having to constantly refer to Beijing.
One of the objectives of the hasty visit was to consolidate the legal status of the provisional legislature. Mr Tung's concern is understandable. Before too long, the legality of the provisional legislature will almost certainly be challenged.