RELATED QUESTIONS
CONFIDENTIAL
THIS IS A COPY
THE ORIGINAL HAS BEEN CLOSED FOR
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40 YEARS UNDER FOI EXEMPTION No.
27(1)
WHITE PAPER ON THE FURTHER DEVELOPMENT ON REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT
IN HONG KONG
WAS CHINESE GOVERNMENT CONSULTED ABOUT WHITE PAPER?
155. Chinese Government informed as a courtesy shortly before
publication of White Paper.
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CHINESE VIEWS ON PROPOSALS IN WHITE PAPER AND DIRECT ELECTIONS
155a. In preparing the White Paper, the Hong Kong Government has recognised the need to keep in mind the provisions of the draft agreement on the future of Hong Kong and the plans have been framed accordingly. The draft agreement provides that the Government and legislature of the Hong Kong SAR shall be composed of local inhabitants and that the legislature of the Hong Kong SAR shall be constituted by elections. However, the nature of the electoral
system after 1997 is not specified in the agreement.
WHY DOES WHITE PAPER NOT CONTAIN PROPOSALS FOR DIRECT ELECTIONS TO
LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL?
156. Public comment on the proposals contained in the Green Paper showed little evidence of support for any move towards direct elections in 1985. Whilst many people favoured the idea in the abstract, few wanted direct elections in the immediate future. Further consideration will be given to the question in the review to
be carried out in 1987.
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WHY SUCH A GRADUAL APPROACH?
157. People of Hong Kong generally in favour of gradual and progressive proposals. They recognise need to ensure that the prosperity and stability of Hong Kong are not put at risk by introducing too many constitutional changes too rapidly.
APPOINTMENT OF HONG KONG CHINESE GOVERNOR BEFORE 1997?
158. Not covered by agreement. Exact direction of evolution in
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