TNAG-1287-FCO40-1638-Constitutional-development-in-Hong-Kong-1984 — Page 109

7 Elgar Avenue

Ealing London W5

18 June 1984

Dear Sir George,

I should be grateful if you would urge the Government to establish a true democratic process in the colony of Hong Kong, so that representative government may be seen to be in existence when the colony is inevitably handed back to the Chinese Government in 1997. If such a democratic process is in existence then, it will be much harder for the Chinese régime to introduce autocratic rule which may not be in hire with the will of the local populace. Furthermore political infrastructures would be constructed to withstand dictatorial rule.

There is some urgency to all this, If the democratic

process is initiated now

at least mo sets of elections could be held

before the take-over date in 1997.

It is not valid to seek Chinese approval for the introduction

any objection

on their part would seriously increase the fear of those resident in Hong Kong, and indeed would imply a democratic

of such measures

process is vitally necemary.

Thank you for your help,

Your sincerely,

Michael Cotton.