CONFIDENTIAL
government policies on municipal
issues.
There is also a
direct, although very limited, link between URBCO/REGCO and
the composition of LEGCO, in as much as the former comprise
two of the electoral colleges that elect 2 members to LEGCO
at three yearly intervals.
7.
The main effect of the latest elections has been to
stimulate public debate in Hong Kong about the possibility
of direct elections to LEGCO being introduced in 1988.
That the elections were comparatively popular, and orderly,
has 1 ed several political commentators in Hong Kong to
speculate that this strengthens the case for di rect
elections to LEGCO as well. Hong Kong are, rightly in my
view, fending off these suggestions with the line that the recent elections, while successful in themselves, are
separate issue from the wider question of
of whether there
should also be direct elections to LEGCO. But doubtless
the vigorous public debate that has already begun in preparation for the 1987 review will continue regardless.
HRR 01115
RECEIVED IN REGISTRY
19 MAR 1986
DESK OFFICER
REGISTRY
INDEX
PA
Action Taken
ABY/3
الله
CE Leek s
Hong Kong Department
CONFIDENTIAL