CPLAQR(2)
CONFIDENTIAL
MR WADDINGTON'S VISIT TO HONG KONG: 21-27 SEPTEMBER
II. DEVELOPMENT OF REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT IN HONG KONG
Background
1.
In November 1984 the Hong Kong Government published a White Paper entitled "The Further Development of Representative Government
in Hong Kong". The Paper, which was endorsed by the Hong Kong
Legislative Council (LegCo) in January 1985, proposed:
(a)
(b)
an increase in the number of Unofficial members of LegCo and
a decrease in the number of official (ie civil servant)
members;
the selection of 24 of these Unofficials by indirect
elections
functional
based
on
constituencies; and
geographical
and
(c)
2.
concern,
a further review of developments towards more representative government, including the possibility of direct elections to LegCo, in 1987.
The Chinese have over the past year expressed considerable
through formal and informal channels, over the extent and pace of "democratisation" in Hong Kong between
Hong Kong between now and 1997. They are particularly concerned about whether, and if so, how and to what extent, direct elections may be introduced in the territory.
3.
decision
on
Neither HMG nor the Hong Kong Government have taken any the possible introduction of direct elections, on the
basis that this will be a matter for public consultation
in Hong
Kong during the 1987 review. There is already considerable interest and debate in Hong Kong on this sensitive issue. We have agreed to maintain a dialogue with Chinese on developments, both
developments, both to explain
intentions as these evolve and to maintain contact with them on
the development of the Basic Law.
our
CONFIDENTIAL