A.
ARPADL
REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT
RESTRICTED
HMG are backtracking on the development of representative
government?
Our commitment to development of representative government in
Hong Kong strong as ever.
-
Process already well underway. We want to see it continue.
But must proceed prudently.
Must reflect special circumstances of Hong Kong.
Must not be imposed on people of Hong Kong: any changes should command the widest possible consensus of support.
That is why Hong Kong Government have carried out extensive public consultation exercise.
Decisions to be announced in the Hong Kong Government White Paper next month will take fullest possible account of views of
community as a whole.
HMG is already committed to the introduction of direct elections in
1988
-
Have never prescribed precise model or timetable for introduction
of direct elections.
- This would have been to prejudge issue, make nonsense of public consultation which we promised would take place in 1987.
RESTRICTED
##
REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT
Page 30Page 31