TNAG-1379-FCO40-1827-Future-of-Hong-Kong-legislation-Hong-Kong-Bill-1985 — Page 142

during her visit.

CONFIDENTIAL

{

[IF RAISED]

I can confirm

that

reports have appeared in Hong Kong newspapers

suggesting that Hong Kong people will participate in the Committee

drafting the Basic Law, perhaps including Hong Kong Government

officials and UMELCO members. They add that a proposal is expected

the Chinese National People's Congress at the end of

this month, which will also consider whether a consultative

Committee should be established.

will of course be for the

i s ready what arrangements it

part would welcome as full a

to be put to

It

Chinese government to announce when it

intends to make.

participation by Hong Kong people as possible.

But HMG for

their

Introduction of Direct Elections

7.

for

Public comment on proposals contained in the Green Paper

published in Hong Kong in July showed little evidence of support

introduction of direct elections in immediate future. People

recognise need to ensure that Hong Kong's stability and prosperity

are not put at risk by introducing too many constitutional changes

too rapidly. Further consideration will be given to question in

1987 review.

District Board Elections (7 March 1985)

8.

In the recent elections for Hong Kong's local District Boards,

213 seats were contested by nearly 500 candidates, and over 476,000

people voted. This represents an increase of almost 134,000 over

the number who voted in the first elections in 1982. It is a very

satisfactory result, and an encouraging indication of popular

support in Hong Kong for the steps that are being taken to develop a

more representative system of government there.

T S Lo resignation from EXCO

Mr T S Lo resigned from the Executive and Legislative Councils

with effect from 12 February.

This is a personal matter for Mr Lo.

9.

[IF IT IS SUGGESTED THAT THE RESIGNATION WAS IN PROTEST AT THE

AGREEMENT]

I am not aware of any criticism of the agreement by Mr Lo.

CONFIDENTIAL