DOACL
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VISIT TO HONG KONG BY LORD GLENARTHUR, 16-19 SEPTEMBER
BRIEF NO 16: PRESS CONFERENCE
(ii) Representative Government
(HMG's intentions?/will you introduce direct elections? Details
of other changes?)
1.
Consultation period not yet complete. Must await Survey
Office's report before reaching any conclusions.
(Chinese have ruled out direct elections? What about need for
convergence?)
2.
Cannot comment on reports of alleged remarks by Chinese officials. Believe there is general understanding that if we are to
achieve smooth transfer in 1997 developments in representative government before then and arrangements to be prescribed in Basic Law need to be compatible. Naturally shall continue to have regular exchanges of views with Chinese/side as our and their thinking
develops.
(1987 Green Paper betrayal of promises in 1984 White Paper?)
3.
Not so. Objective remains to develop a representative system of government that meets Hong Kong's unique circumstances and needs. But must move forward prudently, avoid abrupt or de-stabilising
change.
(What will you do if majority for direct elections in 1988?)
We are not yet at that stage.
4.
Await survey report and listen to Hong Kong views first. Meanwhile, only sensible to maintain contact with Chinese, share thinking, as Review and Basic Law drafting proceed in parallel. In no one's interest that direction
of these two processes should diverge.
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