AS a longtime Hong Kong watcher perhaps I could make the following observations on the current expatriate officers furore.
Many, if not all, of the British expatriate workers in Hong Kong have had it easy for years.
Those on contracts with the various Hong Kong Government agencies have had it especially easy. They have lived, and are still living, sumptuous lifestyles far removed from those they would doubtless be experiencing had they remained in Britain.
They, of course, fully realise this, and are now bleating like lost sheep at the quickening prospect of there being a few level playing fields in Hong Kong from now on.
One may readily concede, that in the early formative years of the colony, there was justification for the establishment of a civil service staffed by experienced officers from the mother country; but this wearisome gravy train should long ago have been tipped off its tracks. At the very least a senior crew of local officers should have been allowed on board.
The British expatriates have lived on the backs of the Hong Kong Chinese long enough. But the end is in sight. And so be it! And with reference to the continuing dialogue between the mainland Chinese Government and the British authorities in Hong Kong, I would say this - the sooner the British get totally off the stage, and cease ''prompting'' from the wings, the better it will be for the Hong Kong people as a whole. They are smart and they are survivors.
