I HAVE followed the debate on the political future of Hong Kong with interest and latterly growing concern at the confrontational stance being taken by both sides to the dispute.
Whilst I accept that democracy provides the best protection devised so far for the governed against the governors, it has to be borne in mind that China expected to be handed a colonial style administration on the handover of sovereignty.
It is a matter of fact that colonial administrators are dictatorships, as it is a fact that China has been ruled in an authoritarian and dictatorial manner throughout its long history.
The benevolence of the colonial dictatorship has been guaranteed, particularly in more recent times, by parliament at Westminster.
What is therefore in doubt is the benevolence of the Chinese dictatorship on the resumption of sovereignty in 1997. I can see why Mr Patten steeped as he is in the Westminster tradition, should regard a mini version of the same as the best solution for Hong Kong.
However, one does not have to look too far to see that the results of similar action elsewhere in the former British Empire, now Commonwealth, have been mixed to say the least.
