CONFIDENTIAL
26. There was little evidence of support for any move towards direct elections in 1985. While many people favoured the idea of direct elections in principle, few wanted them in the immediate future. The question will be considered further in the 1987 review.
27. In preparing the White Paper, the Hong Kong Government has recognised the need to keep in mind the provision of the draft agreement on the future of Hong Kong and the proposals have been framed accordingly The white Paper proposals are entirely consistent with the provisions in draft agreement on future of Hong Kong (which specified that legislature of Hong Kong SAR shall be constituted by elections). The nature of the electoral system after 1997 is not however specified in the draft agreement.
CONFIDENTIAL