CONFIDENTIAL
NOTE FOR DISCUSSIONS WITH GOVERNOR OF HONG KONG
HONG KONG
1.
2.
DEMOCRATIC REFORM
Points raised during calls on Minister of State by:
a) group of Urban Council Representatives (30 October 1979)
b) four members of Anglo-Hong Kong Parliamentary Group, led
Paul Bryan (5 December 1979).
The Urban Council group made their predictable demands.
Parliamentary Group took a more moderate line but emphasised growing
pressure in Hong Kong for reform. Minister nevertheless careful not
to commit Hong Kong or HMG to either group.
3.
Problem of dealing with pressure on Hong Kong in Westminster.
Early day motion by 150 MPS supporting proposals by the Urban
Council Group. Many MPs have difficulty in realising special
problems of Hong Kong, though by no means all uninformed.
4. Broadly accept Governor's arguments against significant
electoral rerorm in LEGCO and URBCO. Obviously different in degree.
Can see no prospect of elected Legislature. Possibly easier to get
away with some widening of URBCO's franchise (it would be seen as
purely a local government measure) but see the risk of starting a
demand for further changes.
5. URBCO something of an anomaly. Patchy record in administration.
Little advantage in extending its functions. Another argument
against democratisation at present.
6.
Ministers ready to support Governor on these points and to
take a franker line in explaining Hong Kong's special problems.
This will however mean turning down the demands of a large group
of MPs,
as well as the Urban Councillors. Pressure will not go
away altogether and may grow. Can we do anything to defuse it?
Is the answer democracy at the basic level?
CONFIDENTIAL
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