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(b)
this objective and the course we are now following: Mr Luce did not prescribe the precise form that "a firmly based democratic administration" should take; and it could certainly be argued that "firmly based" implied an administration which was capable of a smooth transition in 1997 and continuity after 1997.
partial direct elections to LegCo would be introduced in 1988.
Comment: Not true. The 1984 White Papr recorded the state of opinion at the time. That suggested that direct elections might be introduced in 1988. But it also showed a general
The only concern about the dangers of too rapid change. commitment contained in the White Paper was that the situation would be reviewed in 1987. This has happened. Ministerial statements on direct elections are consistent with this.
(c)
(a)
the number of directly elected seats would increase progressively to 1997.
Comment: Ministers have stated that the government of Hong Kong will be developed on increasingly representative lines (eg Sir G Howe on 20 April 1984). They have made no specific commitment in respect of LegCo seats. The option of expanding the number of directly elected seats after 1991 would not be excluded by the decisions proposed in next month's White Paper. Indeed the Governor has already hinted to the Chinese, who did not demur, that there might well be a call for a gradual increase in the number of directly elected seats
between 1991 and 1997.
development of the representative status of the two main central government institutions (ExCo and LegCo).
Comment: Not true. The 1984 Green Paper proposed that the development of representative government should include this, but the 1984 White Paper set aside these proposals for
No commitment was consideration at a later unspecified date.
made.
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