CONFIDENTIAL
E
number of directly elected members in 1988, building to a
significant number by 1997. White Paper committed to review the position in 1987.
1984 White Paper also noted considerable general public concern that too rapid progress towards direct elections could place future stability and prosperity of Hong Kong in jeopardy.
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I Need to take into account significant developments since 1984
White Paper
especially Joint Declaration and fact that Basic Law is now being drafted. These naturally affect the way people think. Correct course is surely to seek to establish what Hong Kong people think now, in the new circumstances. That is exactly what we have
done.
(1984 Green Paper contained undertakings about progressive reform of whole government system. Earlier intended that 1987 review would include relationship between ExCo and LegCo and related matters. Why these undertakings not honoured?)
Included
1984 Green Paper was written before Joint Declaration. ideas such as electing members of LegCo to ExCo and for selection of Governor. These are major constitutional issues, affected by Joint
We considered it was not Declaration and drafting of Basic Law. right to examine such major issues at this stage.
F
(Green Paper deliberately confusing. express its views)
Public cannot be expected to
Green Paper covers much ground. But no question of making it deliberately confusing. Survey Report indicates that public have expressed views on all major issues covered in the Green Paper, including direct elections.
G
(Conduct of review open to question/biased/rigged)
The
Aware that some people have criticised certain aspects of review and of work of the Survey Office. But have complete confidence in conduct of review by HKG and independent Survey Office. independent monitors considered Survey Office fulfilled task assigned to it properly and impartially. Believe report is fair reflection of public opinion.
Believe there is no basis for