TNAG-1284-FCO40-1636-Constitutional-development-in-Hong-Kong-1984 — Page 134

SECRET

members of the Legislative Council and the arguments put forward for not introducing any element of direct elections at this level. These can be expected to receive a mixed reception.

Some will agree with the Hong Kong Government's arguments (paragraphs 27 and 28 of the draft Green Paper). Others will claim that the proposals for indirect elections are intended to preserve the dominant position of the establishment in Hong Kong, and demonstrate both the continuing colonial mntality of the Hong Kong Government and HMG's unwillingness to overcome this. Some may also point out that the

proposals would mean that the last real chance of introducing a western-style democracy in Hong Kong before 1997 is being wasted.

4. The Governor believes that it is important not to over-estimate the demand in Hong Kong for direct elections. This demand comes mainly from academics and members of small pressure groups. While there is general support for more representative government, there is also a strong expression of concern, both in the business

community and at the grass roots level, that the Hong Kong Government might move too far and too fast and in consequence introduce a factor of instability at this highly sensitive time.

5. The Green Paper rightly stresses that the present system of government in Hong Kong operates on the basis of consultation and consensus and that any developments should aim to maintain this. Thus the proposals in the paper aim to extend political power more deeply into the community, but they also seek to maintain the

'corporate' format of the organs of government in Hong Kong in order to reduce wherever possible the opportunities for ambitious individuals on either the right of the left to dominate particular

areas of government. It is for this reason that the Governor does

not favour a 'Ministerial' system whereby members of the Executive and Legislative Councils would be allocated specific areas of responsibility (para 55 of the draft Green Paper). He is strongly of the view that the Council should continue to act collectively on

all issues.

INFORMING THE CHINESE

6.

It is proposed that we inform the Chinese about the Green Paper

SECRET