DSR 11 (Revised Sept 85)
SECURITY CLASSIFICATION
TYPE: Draft/Final 1 +
Reference
LB1AUJ
Your RefATMAN
DRAFT: minute/letter/teleletter/despatch/note
FROM:
Lord Glenarthur
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Dr John Marek MP
House of Commons
LONDON
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In Confidence
I am replying to your letter of 29 January to the
Foreign Secretary about the introduction of direct
elections into the Legislative Council of Hong Kong.
I understand the importance which you attach to this
issue. Bit as Geoffrey Howe made clear in the Hong Kong
is
debate in the House of Commons on 20 January, while there
a strong trend in public opinion in Hong Kong that
supports the introduction of an element of direct
elections well before 1997, it is evident that views are
sharply divided on timing.
Enclosures flag(s)
We and the Hong Kong Government alike wish to see the
development towards more representative government in
Hong Kong continue steadily.
Neither we nor they would
wish to impose any particular form or model. Hong Kong
is unique in many ways, and it will need to develop its
own system of government suited to its own requirements.
Such a system should respect the wishes of the community
as a whole and reflect Hong Kong's special circumstances