TNAG-1220-FCO40-1530-Democratic-representation-and-reform-in-Hong-Kong-1983 — Page 29

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THE IMPORTANCE OF EXCO BEING PREPARED FOR DISCUSSION OF THIS QUESTION AND WOULD SEE ADVANTAGE IN YOUR RAISING IT ORALLY. BUT, GIVEN THE ISSUES INVOLVED, IT COULD BE AT THE LEAST MISLEADING FOR EXCO TO BE GIVEN A PAPER ON THE MAIN ISSUES OF WHICH

MINISTERS HAVE NOT TAKEN A FINAL VIEW. IT SEEMS LIKELY THAT

WE SHALL HAVE TO SETTLE FOR THE LATER TARGET DATE OF 13 JANUARY. 6. WE SHALL ALSO BE SUBMITTING THE PROPOSALS IN YOUR TELNO 1985 ABOUT THE SETTING UP OF A NEW TERRITORIES REGIONAL BOARD. MINISTERS SHOULD BE AWARE OF THIS, BUT WE SHALL ARGUE THAT IT DOES NOT

AFFECT THE MAIN ISSUES AND SHOULD BE APPROVED SEPARATELY.

WE AIM TO TELEGRAPH ON THIS BY THE END OF THE WEEK.

HOWE

FUTURE EGRET

LIMITED

HD/HKD

HD/FED

MR DONALD

2

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