CONFIDENTIAL
Introduction of Direct Elections
7.
proposals
contained in the Green Paper
People
Public comment on
published in Hong Kong in July showed little evidence of support for
introduction of direct elections in immediate future.
recognise need to ensure that Hong Kong's stability and prosperity
are not put at risk by introducing too many constitutional changes too rapidly. Further consideration will be given to question in
1987 review.
TS Lo resignation from EXCO
8.
Mr T S Lo resigned from the Executive and Legislative Councils
with effect from 12 February. This is a personal matter for Mr Lo.
[IF IT IS SUGGESTED THAT THE RESIGNATION WAS IN PROTEST AT THE
AGREEMENT]
I am not aware of any criticism of the agreement by Mr Lo.
[ IF ASKED ABOUT APPOINTMENT OF A SUCCESSOR]
This is a matter for the Governor.
Will agreement be registered at the UN?
9. Yes. We shall register it at the UN in accordance with normal international practice.
Pensions
10.
The agreement provides that the SAR Government will pay all pensions, gratuities and other
other benefits
benefits due to public servants and
dependants including those who have retired before 1 July 1997.
Conscription into PLA
11.
be.
With one billion
The agreement does not refer to the
the question of conscription.
This i s not to stay that there will be conscription. Chinese
Government have not suggested that there would
Chinese people, can see little need to conscript from 5 million Hong
Kong people.
CONFIDENTIAL