TNAG-1220-FCO40-1530-Democratic-representation-and-reform-in-Hong-Kong-1983 — Page 43

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KEEPING WITH THEIR TRADITIONS AND NEEDS. WHEN THE SYSTEM IS IN PLACE THERE WILL HAVE EMERGED ELECTED REPRESENTATIVES WHO WILL BE ABLE TO DECIDE FOR THEMSELVES THE SYSTEM THEY WISHED TO ADOPT. WE SHOULD NOT DECREE IT FOR THEM IN ADVANCE.

4. IN THIS CONNECTION I THINK THE ARGUMENT IN PEKING TELNO 1360 IS MISGUIDED. THE CHINESE WILL BE ABLE TO INTIMIDATE ELECTORS AND CANDIDATES IF THEY WISH WHATEVER SYSTEM IS IN FORCE. THE AIM MUST BE TO GIVE THEM AS LITTLE INCENTIVE AS POSSIBLE TO DO SO. PEKING'S ARGUMENT ALSO FALLS INTO THE ERROR OF SEEKING TO DECREE FROM OUTSIDE WHAT SYSTEM THE HONG KONG COMMUNITY WILL JUDGE BEST SUITED TO ITS INTERESTS AND TRADITIONS. THE PROPOSALS I HAVE ADVANCED WILL PUT THEM IN A POSITION TO DO SO WHILE LEAVING THE WAY OPEN FOR THEM TO PROCEED TO DIRECT ELECTIONS IF THAT IS

THEIR CHOICE.

YOUDE

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HD/HKD HD/FED PS/ PUS

MR GIFFARD

MR DONALD

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