CONFIDENTIAL
MAB 026/34
013523
MDHIAN 9066
68
CONFIDENTIAL
FM HONG KONG
TO DESKBY 14120OZ FCO
TELNO 2788
OF 140847Z SEPTEMBER 89
YRTELNO
(6
TOP COPY CQ DIST?
LORD CAITHNESS'S VISIT TO HONG KONG: MEETING WITH LOCAL POLITICAL GROUP LEADERS
1. IS IS NOT CLEAR WHAT, IF ANYTHING, LIES BEHIND THE REPORTED INTENTION OF LOCAL POLITICAL GROUP LEADERS TO ASK LORD CAITHNESS HOW BRITAIN CAN HELP MAKE HONG KONG'S FIRST DIRECT ELECTIONS TO LEGCO A SUCCESS. THE INSTINCT TO SAY THAT SOMEBODY CHKG OR HMG) SHOULD HELP IS NOT CONFINED TO THIS ISSUE.
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2. WHATEVER THE MOTIVE, THE LINE THE MINISTER SHOULD TAKE IS CLEAR. THE 1991 ELECTIONS ARE A CHANCE FOR HONG KONG PEOPLE THEMSELVES TO SHOW THAT THEY CAN MAKE A SUCCESS OF GREATER PARTICIPATION IN POLITICAL LIFE. THOSE WHO HAVE PRESSED FOR A MORE REPRESENTATIVE SYSTEM NOW HAVE AN OPPORTUNITY AND OBLIGATION - TO SHOW THAT IT WILL WORK. AS MANY PEOPLE AS POSSIBLE SHOULD REGISTER AND VOTE. HE HOPES THERE WILL BE A LARGE NUMBER OF CANDIDATES FROM A WIDE RANGE OF BACKGROUNDS. THIS IS ALL SOMETHING FOR HONG KONG PEOPLE TO DO THEMSELVES, NOT HMG.
WILSON
YYYY
ΜΑΙΝ
17
LIMITED
HKD
NNNN
DISTRIBUTION
17
PS/LORD CAITHNESS
MR MCLAREN
PAGE
1
CONFIDENTIAL