TNAG-1437-FCO40-1921-Constitutional-development-in-Hong-Kong-1986 — Page 53

9.

As soon as possible, the Governor should designate

a Senior Unofficial in Legislative Council to preside at

Legislative Council meetings.

By 1997, all Executive

Councillors should be Legislative Councillors as well.

A Hong Kong-style of "Hong Kong people governing

Hong Kong" should from now on evolve by having Executive

Councillors being responsible for certain portfolios, and

answering questions and introducing legislation in

Legislative Council. Such Councillors could be given the

title of Secretaries and they would have Permanent

Secretaries from the Civil Service on hand to assist them.

Such posts should virtually be full-time occupations.

This is the evolutionary approach during the

transition period. We are building on the foundation of what

has proven to be a successful and winning political formula

for Hong Kong's economic miracle and international financial

reputation. It is not Westminster-style, not American-style,

nor mainland-Chinese style, but simple uniquely Hong

Kong-style.

From 1997 onwards, the SAR Chief Executive could be

designated in Chinese as ( ) while the English title

of "Governor" could be retained.

This will ensure that

internationally Hong Kong's existing prestige and status

would not in any way be diminished.

/There