TNAG-1327-FCO40-1740-Future-of-Hong-Kong-Ministerial-statements-1984 — Page 13

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CONFIDENTIAL

CONSTITUTIONAL DEVELOPMENT

THIS IS A COPY

THE ORIGINAL HAS BEEN CLOSED FOR

40 YEARS UNDER FOI EXEMPTION No... 276............

on the

16. I fully accept legitimate concerns which have been expressed that we should build up a firmly based democratic administration in Hong Kong in the years between now and 1997. The White Paper sets out proposals concerning elections to the Legislative Council (LEGCO) in 1985, after taking account of public comments earlier Green Paper. For the first time in Hong Kong, some LEGCO members will be indirectly elected, rather than appointed by the Governor. The White Paper envisages a step-by-step approach to more representative government, which fully takes into account Hong Kong's special circumstances and traditions. A review of further possible developments will be held in 1987, before 1988 elections.

17. Public reaction to the Green Paper in Hong Kong was generally in favour of its aims and of gradual and progressive nature of its proposals. The public recognised the need to ensure that the prosperity and stability of Hong Kong are not put at risk by

introducing too many constitutional changes too quickly.

Hong Kong Government has represented to public feeling by increasing ve

number of LEGCO members to be elected in 1985 from 12 to 24.

Spended

But

18.

Public comment on proposals in the Green Paper showed little

evidence of support for any move towards direct elections in 1985.

While many people favoured the idea of direct elections in principle, few wanted them in the immediate future. The question

will be considered further in the 1987 Review.

19.

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20. I preparing the White Paper, the Hong Kong Government has recognised the need to keep in mind the provision of the draft agreement on the future of Hong Kong and the proposals have been framed accordingly. The draft agreement states that the Government

CONFIDENTIAL