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lunder FOI exemption 40(2)
4. When it became clear that their demands were not going to be met, 17 of the 18 members of the Preparatory Committee resigned, hoping thereby to delay the elections and thus prolong the state of uncertainty in which they were able to exercise influence. However, the attempt to recreate the emotive atmosphere of November
1977 failed. The Commissioner of Police refused to retreat. The
sentences passed on those who attacked Hutchison House were not altered, though they are still subject to appeal,
Faced with this stand by the Commissioner, the members of the Preparatory Committee withdrew their resignations and only a slight delay in the holding of elections resulted.
5. The new Executive Committee was elected on 23 February. Both radicals and moderates are represented on it. It is still too early to predict how it will use its influence but the Hong Kong Government feel that relatively moderate members may be in the stronger position at the Office Bearer level (6 of the 18-man Committee are Office Bearers). The Chairman of the new Committee, Sergeant Chung, was Chairman of the Preparatory Committee but he has aligned himself with the moderates.
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