optimistic Chinese
Peking.
CONFIDENTIAL
will
THIS IS A COPY THE ORIGINAL HAS BEEN CLOSED FOR
40 YEARS UNDER FOI EXEMPTION No...........270.
accept CPA on the route to
Hong Kong opinion concerned at the failure to
reach agreement at the last round.
details are agreed at the next round.
Important that
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REPRESENTATIONAL GOVERNMENT
were
First indirect elections to Legislative Council held on 26 September 1985 when 24 members out of a new Council of
56
chosen.
Elections went off well.
Representatives chosen were well known and experienced in
community affairs. Encouraging interest shown in the election by both the public and media. Review of system to be made in 1987 before next elections due in 1988.
Although Chinese have been careful not to comment
directly on the elections they remain suspicious of British motives over constitutional reform, tending to see the development of local political institutions as an
attempt by us to carry Hong Kong towards a more independent status than they are prepared to contemplate. In June Foreign Minister Wu Xueqian expressed concern about the pace of change to Sir Geoffrey Howe. Similar messages have been received through unofficial channels.
GARRISON
The Hong Kong garrison was increased from 4 to 5
battalions in 1980 to help control a surge in illegal immigration at the time.
An extra Gurkha battalion was raised specifically for the
the task. Now that the illegal immigration situation is no longer cause for concern, it was announced on 27 September that
that the garrison would be reduced again to 4 battalions
4 battalions in 1987. The Chinese were
informed of our decision in advance and have so far made
no comment.
CONFIDENTIAL
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