TNAG-1289-FCO40-1641-Terminology-for-the-description-of-Hong-Kong-by-internationa-1984 — Page 135

CONFIDENTIAL

Kong. The Paper sets out

out the Government's proposals for the 1985 elections to the Legislative Council. On the question of direct elections, it points out that in public comments on the earlier Green Paper there was little evidence of support for any move towards direct elections in 1985. Most people, whilst in favour of the idea of direct elections in principle, did not want to see them introduced in the immediate future. The White Paper therefore retains the Green Paper approved of advocating indirect elections, but proposes that further consideration should be given to the question of direct elections, among others, in a review to be carried out in 1987.

026/9(34)

B

5. The Joint Conference formally submitted its views on the Green Paper to the Hong Kong Government on 17 September 1984.

This was within the two month period laid down for consultation. The letter was therefore taken into account by the Hong Kong Government when assessing public reaction to the proposals in the Green Paper.

6. A delegation led by Dr Ding called on Mr Luce on 15 May in order to discuss their proposals for the evolution of democratic government in Hong Kong. On that occasion, too, Dr Ding stressed the importance that he attached to the introduction, on a phased basis, of direct elections to the Legislative Council.

7. Mr Szeto and Dr Ding have also written to several other MPs. Many have forwarded these letters to the Secretary of State or Mr Luce. Once Mr Luce has agreed to the draft reply to Mr Szeto and Dr Ding, we shall submit draft replies to each MP along the same lines.

23 November 1984

Azama

A C Galsworthy

Hong Kong Department

CONFIDENTIAL

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DSR 11 (Revised)

DRAFT:

FROM:

MR LUCE