SECRET
2)
The Further Development of Representative Government in
Hong Kong - the 1987 Review
The attached paper sets out briefly the present structure of the Hong Kong Government and its relationship with H.M.G. and the outline structure provided by the Joint Declaration. It describes C.P.G. objectives insofar as they can be perceived; and what Hong Kong opinion wants.
2.
Options for development or change in the office of Governor, to Executive Council and the Legislative Council, in the 1987 Review are set out.
C.P.G. Attitude
3.
The C.P.G. attitude to progress has hardened considerably and overtly in recent weeks. They wish for no changes in Hong Kong until they have announced the Basic Law, and further, for any proposed changes to be subject to prior consultation with them. Any progress will have to be on the basis of the least apparent change and without formalities such as legislation if possible. Every move will be paranoically scrutinised.
Feasible Changes
4.
Depending on the strength of expression in Hong Kong opinion, the following are estimated in descending order of acceptability to C.P.G. (but one never quite knows what will spark them). Not all have to be part of the 1987 Review as
such.
a)
b)
The Governor:
i)
Begin process of separation of powers by increasing delegations to the Chief Secretary (1 - depending on degree);
ii)
Governor to withdraw from Executive Council for routine items and Chief Secretary to preside (1);
iii) Governor to withdraw from Presidency of
Legislative Council either in part or completely (1, 2.);
Executive Council
i) Do not reappoint members not on Legislative Council.
ii) Select obvious leaders on subjects in
Legislative Council for future appointments to Executive Council.
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