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interests and possible Chinese reactions. The conclusion is that they might be made rather less precise but that we must accept that a locally selected governor must form part of our policy of establishing greater autonomy in Hong Kong before 1997.
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(147)
8 June 1984
RECEIVE
HICK 011/3
R D Clift
Hong Kong Department
11 JUN 1934
D'
The proposals for indirect elections to LEGCO and EXCO are significant reforms. They go in the right direction and I see every reason to support further public discussion of them by publishing a Green Paper.
2.
The proposals on the selection and powers of the Governor are in a different category. We need to think very carefully about their implications. After 1992 it is proposed that the Governor should be a Hong Kong belonger (presumably Chinese) who will be elected locally. Appointment by The Queen will be a formality. EXCO will also be elected (except for two members nominated by the Governor). The Governor will have no power to over-rule EXCO after 1991. This amounts to a fundamental change in the present system of administration.
3. The problems raised by the changes proposed for the Governor's position are referred to in paras 7 - 9 of the covering commentary. But I believe that Ministers should consider the implications of this part of the Green Paper in more detail in the following three aspects:
(i) HMG's position. Under the proposals, after 1991/92 HMG will
retain very little effective influence in Hong Kong. In theory the Governor could still be directed by the Secretary of State. But, in practice, since both the Governor and EXCO will be elected, and the Governor cannot over-rule EXCO, it is hard to see how these directions could be implemented on a question where the views of EXCO and HMG diverged. The
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