Between 1945 and 1952, the British government considered granting Hong Kong the right to elected self-government, but in 1952 the proposal was withdrawn. This study examines the genesis, development, and eventual abandonment of reform proposals for Hong Kong in the context of postwar British colonial policy and the changing political situation in Southeast Asia.
Contents
Foreword by David M. MacDougall
Preface
Plates
Abbreviations
Acknowledgements
Chronology
1 INTRODUCTION
Historical Background
Three Interpretations of the Attempts at Reform (1945-52)
Notes on Sources, the Approach, and References
2 LONDON PLANNING
The Hong Kong Scene
3 THE YOUNG PLAN
The Restoration of Civil Order
The Challenge of the Chinese Political Parties: I
Traders, Councillors, and Reform
The Attitude of the Local Chinese
4 INTERLUDE
Waiting
Economic Rehabilitation and Reform
The Challenge of the Chinese Political Parties: II
5 METAMORPHOSIS
The Smaller Territories Committee
Security and Local Politics
Economic Changes and Reform
The Apathetic Speak Out
6 ANTICLIMAX
Economic Depression and Reform
The Politics of Security
7 A BIRD'S-EYE VIEW
A Comparison of the Various Reform Proposals The Attitudes and Approaches of the Governors
Whitehall and Reform
The Unofficials and Reform
The Hong Kong People and Reform
Economic Changes and Reform
'Danger' and Reform
A Lost Chance?
8 CONCLUSION
