TNAG-1283-FCO40-1635-Constitutional-development-in-Hong-Kong-1984 — Page 112

Her 01113

ALÜLIVED IN ZEGISTRY

- 8 FEB 1984

HRD

CHICLE

نشاه

wa

We discussed

Private Secretary

SECRET

&

7/2

33

Seardy of State

FROM: H B Warren-Gash

DATE: 6 February 1984

cc:

PS/PUS

Sir P Cradock

Mr Donald

Mr Clift, HKD

Mr Thomson, FED

Mr Burrowes, Legal Advisers

FUTURE OF HONG KONG: WORKING PAPER ON CONSTITUTIONAL ARRANGEMENTS AND CENTRAL GOVERNMENT STRUCTURE

1.

Mr Luce has looked at this paper over the weekend. He is generally content with the shape of the paper, and agrees that it should now be circulated to OD (K). He does, however, have a number of minor amendments to suggest, which you may like to discuss with the Department before the paper issues.

i)

ii)

iii)

iv)

Para 4. Ought we to refer to chief officials being 'nominated' by the SAR Government? Some might in practice turn out to be elected. A better word might be 'chosen';

These are:

Para 8. Are we right to be so precise about the structure at local level in 1997? Mr Luce wonders whether the point could be covered adequately by referring to 'national and local structures of Government' in the first sentence, and leaving it at that?

Para 15. While he can see why we went for a tight form of wording, Mr Luce wonders whether it is wise to freeze the evolution on Hong Kong government structures after 1997. They will be looking for continuity, but we should surely develop some procedures which allow for subsequent change if this is what the SAR Government themselves would like;

Para 18. Are we wise to put so much emphasis on the continuity of Colonial titles? We also need to keep open the possibility that some of these offices may become open to election (either directly or, more probably, indirectly) at some stage.

He, Louvren. GISL

H B Warren-Gash

PS/Mr Luce

SECRET