up
From the above, it is clear that Britain had conjured
an atmosphere in which Hong Kong people were led to believe
that they would rapidly be given the institutions of democracy.
The promise to develop democratic institutions "progressively"
also led to the belief that, with indirect elections being
introduced in 1985, direct elections would follow in 1988. To
argue now that there was no actual "promise" to hold direct
elections in 1988 is little more than falling back on · a
! technicality.
of a
Parliament, too, regarded as crucial the establishment
representative government in Hong Kong during the early
years of the transition period. Parliament's sentiment can be
gauged by the following remarks, made by members in the Commons
debate on 5th December 1984:
Denis Healey :
"If any more representative system is to
last, it is important that it should be in
place well before the transfer of
sovereignty."
Edward Heath:
"Far greater than any danger of haste is the
danger of not having fully representative
working government with experience by the
time the handover takes place.
11
Russell Johnston:
Jack Ashley:
"I agree that we must make haste in the next
10 years.
"The great challenge for the people of Hong
Kong today is to produce political leaders.
10