TNAG-1284-FCO40-1636-Constitutional-development-in-Hong-Kong-1984 — Page 300

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firmly established by 1997 a structure of Government which has the

source of political power firmly rooted in the Hong Kong community. To this end the structure should be in place by the early 1990's.

The Governor suggests that a Green Paper containing proposals on future constitutional developments, including indirect elections by

a collegiate system, should be published during the course of the

Summer.

ARGUMENT

5. In our working paper on constitutional arrangements and

government structure we have asked the Chinese to confirm that the

composition, functions, procedures, powers and duties and methods of

appointment of LEGCO and EXCO should remain basically unchanged from

1997. They can legitimately argue that they cannot be expected to give such confirmation in a binding agreement without knowing what we expect to leave behind on that date. It is, in any case, within

their power to frustrate the development of political structure in Hong Kong if they wish to. We believe that they would not resist indirect elections to LEGCO and possibly to EXCO, but that they are very suspicious of direct elections. It would therefore be in our interests to tell them as soon as possible what we propose to do.

6. We shall have to reach decisions before too long for other

reasons. We shall very soon have to decide our line for Item 2 of

the talks (arrangements up to 1997). Under that item, the Chinese will press us on our constitutional plans. As we get closer to the

signing of an agreement

there will be pressure on us, both

in Hong Kong and in Parliament to reveal our constitutional plans.

The Governor will also need to consider appointments to LEGCO from

this year onwards in the light of any plans for constitutional

development.

7.

Further background and argument is contained in the attached

draft paper for OD (K).

اشند

16 March 1984

R D Clift

Hong Kong Department

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