HITH
01113
1983
Sq
SECRET 高度機密
For discussion
on 14 February 1984
Introduction
XCS (84)7
Copy No
MEMORANDUM FOR EXECUTIVE COUNCILLIKK
REVIEW OF LOCAL ADMINISTRATIONSCEIVERIN
PA on 011/3
JAJ 108
17
27 74416/2
011/3
1 7FEB 1984
PA
On 5 January 1984 Members considered memorantum XCS(84)4 which proposed a number of developments in the present system of local administration throughout Hong Kong. The Council advised and the Governor ordered that the ideas and proposals summarised in paragraph 21 of the memorandum should form the basis of specific recommendations (including the necessary draft legislation) in due course.
Buon faken
Fo
Purpose
2
The purpose of this memorandum is to inform Members of the next steps which it is intended to take in pursuance of these proposals.
Announcement of the proposals
3
It is intended that the Chief Secretary should make a Statement in the Legislative Council at its next sitting on Wednesday, 15 February 1984, outlining the proposals and inviting public comment on them. Annexed is a draft of the Statement.
4
On the previous afternoon (14 February 1984) the Chairman of the Urban Council, the senior officers of the Heung Yee Kuk, the Director of Urban Services and the Commissioner for Recreation and Culture will be briefed on the general thrust of the Statement. The New China News Agency (NCNA) will also be informed of what is proposed (as was done in 1980 before the Green Paper on District Administration was published).
5
There are a number of tactical advantages in making the Statement on 15 February 1984. First, it will avoid any connection being made between the proposals announced in the Statement and the talks on Hong Kong's future. Secondly, as the next round of talks is scheduled to take place on 22 and 23 February 1984, it will avoid the risk of the Chinese Government accusing us of being discourteous, for we shall have informed them beforehand.
G.F. 316
SECRET 高度機密