TNAG-1437-FCO40-1921-Constitutional-development-in-Hong-Kong-1986 — Page 95

DEC 31 '85 17:56 GIS HK

Date:

Time:

Reporter:

30.12.85

:

9.35

10.45 a.m.

RG/21

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come to visit Hong Kong, will contribute to this process. I think it is important, and I don't think, as I say, that there is a situation of confrontation or conflict. There is a process of learning, and a process of gradual development of the structure through constructive criticism and public debate. And I don't think that solutions should immediately emerge from the first exchange of views and opinions.

As I say, this is a process which is going to take place over the next 18 months I suppose, and we shouldn't expect a clear picture to emerge on day 1. But let's not forget that we already have a Legislative Council which has now 24 members who have been elected, albeit indirectly elected, at the present time. So you have already gone a long way towards constructing a new structure of government.. But to have everything cut and dried, as I say, at this moment at the end of 1985, when it is only six months or so, since the final signature of the agreement, a year. I don't think it is reasonable to expect that.

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Q.

Could we come back to the question

that started this line of approach in the first place? You were asked what the Hong Kong Government would be doing in 1986 with regard to

the 1987 Review?

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A.

0.

Yes.

And as far as my notes tell me so

far all that I have learned is that the Hong Kong Government will be listening. Listening to the Hong Kong people as a whole, listening

what comes out of the B.L.C.C. Is that all the Hong Kong Government will be doing, listening? Is that their sole preparation this year for the Review, or is there anything more to it involved?

to

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and listening.

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Basically, yes. Collating, collecting

Q.

So the Hong Kong Government will not

be doing any researching. After all, everybody talks about the

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