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CONFIDENTIAL
BRIEF D
W 65
POSSIBLE MOVES TOWARDS GREATER DEMOCRACY IN HONG KONG
1. It is generally accepted that there cannot be an elected Legislative Council in Hong Kong because of the hostile Chinese reaction such a move would provoke. The only alternative is to ensure that the appointed membership of the Legislative Council is as representative as possible.
2.
Some movement towards this has already occurred with the
appointment of such members as Father McGovern and Mr Leung but even the Unofficial side is weighted in favour of the "establishment"
The Governor is well aware of the need for further improvement but is having difficulty in finding suitable candidates. There is much to be said for seeking ideas from persons who have been
frequent visitors to Hong Kong and have a good idea of the problems of the Colony.
3.
While no elections are possible on a national level there remains the possibility of a more liberal approach at the local government level.
4. The Urban Council is already an elected body but there is doubt as to its representative nature since it is elected by only about 10% of the electorate, which is itself only a small proportion of the total population. Two measures are possible to improve the situation.
5.
The first is for consideration to be given to extending the
franchise and the second is for a campaign, led by the Hong Kong Government, to persuade the electorate of the benefits and
importance of using their voting powers.
6. In his speech on 5 October at the opening of the Legislative Council the Governor announced the setting up of District Advisory Boards in the New Territories. Their function will be to advise on matters affecting the well-being of the inhabitants of each
CONFIDENTIAL