PM/84/106
PRIME MINISTER
SECRET
HKD
EXPS.
PS / Mr Luce PS1 Rus Sir P. Cradock
Si W. Hording SirJ
Greek)
Mrow fes
Minfaller Research Dest
Hong Kong:
Constitutional Developments before 1997
1.
John Coles' letter of 22 March conveyed your agreement to the proposals for constitutional development in Hong Kong up
to 1997 contained in the draft memorandum attached to my
minute of 19 March. This memorandum was put to the Executive Council on 10 April.
The Council was broadly in agreement with
the proposals, subject to a few minor amendments that demonstrated their cautious approach to this issue, and advised that the
Hong Kong Government should proceed with the drafting of a Green Paper for publication during the summer. I referred to this Green Paper when winding up the debate on Hong Kong in the House on 16 May. :
2. A draft Green Paper was considered by the Executive Council
on 19 June. I attach a copy of Hong Kong telao 1669 which contains the text: as revised in the light of EXCO's comments. The proposals, which are summarised in paragraph 65, are very much on the lines of those we approved in March.
3. It is likely that in Hong Kong and the UK the main interest will focus on the proposed arrangements for the indirect election of members of the Legislative Council and the arguments put forward for not introducing any element of direct elections at this level. These can be expected to receive a mixed reception. Some will agree with the Hong Kong Government's arguments (paragraphs 27 and 28 of the draft Green Paper).
Other will
/claim
SECRET