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firmly established by 1997 a structure of Government which has the
source of political power firmly rooted in the Hong Kong community. To this end the structure should be in place by the early 1990's.
The Governor suggests that a Green Paper containing proposals on future constitutional developments, including indirect elections by
a collegiate system, should be published during the course of the
Summer.
ARGUMENT
5. In our working paper on constitutional arrangements and
government structure we have asked the Chinese to confirm that the
composition, functions, procedures, powers and duties and methods of
appointment of LEGCO and EXCO should remain basically unchanged from
1997. They can legitimately argue that they cannot be expected to give such confirmation in a binding agreement without knowing what we expect to leave behind on that date. It is, in any case, within
their power to frustrate the development of political structure in Hong Kong if they wish to. We believe that they would not resist indirect elections to LEGCO and possibly to EXCO, but that they are very suspicious of direct elections. It would therefore be in our interests to tell them as soon as possible what we propose to do.
6. We shall have to reach decisions before too long for other
reasons. We shall very soon have to decide our line for Item 2 of
the talks (arrangements up to 1997). Under that item, the Chinese will press us on our constitutional plans. As we get closer to the
signing of an agreement
there will be pressure on us, both
in Hong Kong and in Parliament to reveal our constitutional plans.
The Governor will also need to consider appointments to LEGCO from
this year onwards in the light of any plans for constitutional
development.
7.
Further background and argument is contained in the attached
draft paper for OD (K).
اشند
16 March 1984
R D Clift
Hong Kong Department
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