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(d) At later stage, appointment to post of Governor to follow
process of consultation in Hong Kong, confirmed by some form of election by an electoral college.
Governor prefers this process to more rapid move to method under which Governor and/or Executive and Legislative Councils would be
elected directly.
3. At next round of talks in Peking we shall begin to discuss Agenda Item Number 2, ie Hong Kong's constitutional development prior to 1997. Subject to discussion with EXCO we intend, at an appropriate stage, to tell the Chinese that:
(a)
(b)
(c)
4.
We propose to move progressively to systems under which membership of Legislative Council would be indirectly elected under collegiate system:
Each stage of process would be open to public consultation in Hong Kong before being adopted:
We would not be likely to make decision on whether to move to more direct elections before early 1990's. We would be prepared to consult with Chinese before moving to direct elections, but final decision would be matter for HMG.
Considerable discussion of democratic development among public and press in Hong Kong. Educated middle-class pressing for extension of direct elections, both as expression of involvement in
territory and to fill vacuum in 1997. Some feel that process should not be rushed, given lack of experience and variable quality of local politicians. But likely that any moves towards greater democracy will be well received in Hong Kong.
Hong Kong Department
April 1984
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