TNAG-0937-FCO40-1156-Visits-of-Sir-Murray-MacLehose--Governor-of-Hong-Kong--to-th-1980 — Page 235

1

Mr Murray

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Mr Cortazzi

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RECEIVED

15 JAN 1930

OFFIC

PA

CONFIDENTIAL

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Mr. Aires

Pl. enter without

duplication of attachments but with the serial nos mached

P.S. Mr Blaken

MINISTER OF STATE'S DISCUSSIONS WITH SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE:

10 JANUARY 1980

HONG KONG

DEMOCRATIC REFORM

(84),

Α

135

re

Problem

1. The line for Mr Blaker to take in discussing with the Governor

recent demands for further democratisation of local government in

Hong Kong.

Recommendation

2. I recommend that the Minister of State should

use

the attached note in exploring with Sir Murray ways in

which some extension of representative government could be achieved

at the local level. This could be done either when the Governor

himself raises the question of contacts between MPs and local Hong

Kong pressure groups, or separately when the subjects suggested by

the Governor have been dealt with.

Background and Argument

3. There have been periodic demands for greater democracy in

Hong Kong for many years. In the past few months Ministers have

been under pressure from two quarters.

4. A delegation from the Elected Members of the Hong Kong Urban

Council met Mr Blaker on 30 October 1979 and put forward four

me 0269 recommendations:

(194)

(i) the phasing out of appointed members of the Urban Council;

(ii) the extension of the Urban Council franchise;

(iii) the extension of the Urban Council's jurisdiction into

such areas as housing and education;

(iv) the introduction of elected members to the Legislative

Council.

CONFIDENTIAL

/5.