-33
CONFIDENTIAL
CONSCRIPTION OF HONG KONG PEOPLE INTO PLA?
18. The question of conscription is not mentioned in the agreement. This is not to say that there will be conscription. The Chinese
Government have not suggested that there would be. I am sure that the views of Hong Kong people have been noted by the Chinese
Government.
UK/CHINA RELATIONS
SIGNIFICANCE OF AGREEMENT FOR SINO-BRITISH RELATIONS
19. I believe that the successful conclusion of Hong Kong negotiations provides firm basis on which our good relations with China can be maintained and further developed.
CONSTITUTIONAL DEVELOPMENT
WHY NOT PROPOSALS FOR DIRECT ELECTIONS TO LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL?
20.
Public comment on the proposals contained in the Green Paper published in Hong Kong in July showed little evidence of support for any early move towards direct elections. Whilst many people
favoured the idea in the abstract, few wanted direct elections in the immediate future. Further consideration will be given to the question of direct elections in the review to be carried out in
1987.
CHINESE VIEWS ON PROPOSALS IN WHITE PAPER AND DIRECT ELECTIONS
21. In preparing the White Paper, the Hong Kong Government has recognised the need to keep in mind the provisions of the draft agreement on the future of Hong Kong, and the plans have been framed accordingly.
[IF PRESSED] In the review which is to be held in 1987 due account will be taken of any views which the Chinese Government may have expressed.
STRUCTURE OF GOVERNMENT AFTER 1997?
is a
matter for the Basic
22. The detailed structure of government Law. It would not have been right to attempt to lay down details 13 years in advance. We must allow for development between now and
1997.
The agreement however states there will be an elected
legislature, an
an executive accountable to the legislature, and a
chief executive.
CONFIDENTIAL
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.