- 10
conflict of interests with the central government or provincial authorities in Mainland China.
in The British Administration
Hong Kong should not therefore hesitate in introducing direct elections to 25% of
while the seats of the Legislative Council in 1988,
keeping 25% for Functional Constituencies, 25% for Electoral Colleges, and the remaining 25% for appointed members.
We submit that for the reasons given above,
when the
is properly analysed and understood, it
is
clear majority
support
from
Survey Office Report shows convincingly that there the people of Hong Kong for introducting direct elections in 1988.
Such
wishes the a decision will not only accord with of the majority of the people of Hong Kong, but it will also restore their
prove
that
you,
respect for
Prime
will further of honour, and it importantly,
It government.
are a
person But more
their Minister, have the courage of your convictions. will show the people of Hong Kong that there is hope yet in the future; and that
a government
high degree of autonomy in 1997 to protect their interests under the And if the terms of the Joint Declaration and the Basic
could they
have
Law.
a with
people of Hong Kong feel confident about their future, the tide of emigration will ebb.
White Paper
Council
But time is running short, for the Executive will soon come to its decision on the political review, and in
will decide whether or not direct particular, it
elections would be introduced in 1988. But their decision will have to in a be approved by your Government before it will be published White Paper on 10th February 1988.
for
We have reason to believe that the White Paper will
there is say that although
overwhelming
direct support elections before 1997, opinions are split as to whether or not not true for they should be introduced in 1988 (though this is
above); and that it is therefore proposed elections would only be
in introduced If this should happen, it would seriously damage the credibility of the British Government.
the
given reasons that direct 1992.
of Further, we fail to see the logic
1991 or
postponing the
introduction of direct elections for 3 or 4 years from 1988 to
If 1991 or 1992. which is before elections will be producing
lack a
Government Kong
can
in s ay
the Hong
1987, the promulgation of the Basic Law, that direct
fear introduced in 1991
1992 without
of of convergence with the Basic Law, then why could direct elections not be introduced in 1988?
Direct elections in 1988
We submit that
or
decision a
For the
not to hold direct
elections in 1988 would be wholly unaccept able to the majority of the people of Hong
Kong.
introduction
of direct