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would contain draft White Paper Language.
DSR 11C
course to
The outcome which is now emerging is a very
satisfactory one, both from our point of view and for
Hong Kong. We have overcome Chinese resistance to the
principle of direct elections; we are on
achieve an element of direct elections the in Hong Kong
Legislative Council well before 1997; and we are set to
secure a commitment to direct elections in the Basic Law
for post 1997 Hong Kong. I believe that the course
proposed is a fair reflection of public opinion and is in
the best interests of the territory's future stability
and prosperity. I therefore hope that you and OD (K)
colleagues will endorse the decisions regarding direct
elections set out in the draft White Paper.
The final version of these drafts may be changed
slightly in form (but not in substance) to take account
of the views of ExCo. I would like to suggest that you
and OD (K) colleagues endorse the drafts in their present
form on the understanding that the final version will be
subject to my approval.
am copying this minute to members of OD (K) and to
Sir Robert Armstrong.
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