PM/88/002
PRIME MINISTER
THIS IS A COPY
THE ORIGINAL HAS BEEN CLOSED UNDER
FOI EXEMPTION NO. 27(1)
SECRET
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15 JAN 1988
Hong Kong: Representative Government
1. The Hong Kong Government's White Paper on representative
government is due to be published in February. The text on the introduction of a directly elected element into the Legislative
Council now needs to be finalised.
17.
2. As you know, the recent Review of representative government in Hong Kong showed substantial support for the principle of direct
elections. But on timing opinions are divided. No clear majority trend in favour of direct elections in 1988 has emerged.
3.
4.
The Hong Kong Government have now sent us drafts of the key chapters in the White Paper on direct elections and the way forward. These drafts, which have been discussed with officials here, are
attached. They embody the decision that an element of direct elections to the Legislative Council will be introduced in 1991, in the form of 10 directly elected seats in geographically based single seat constituencies. These would replace the seats currently elected indirectly by the District Boards. They take into account a
first round of discussion with ExCo. There may still be some further minor changes of wording and presentation.
SECRET