TNAG-1438-FCO40-1922-Constitutional-development-in-Hong-Kong-1986 — Page 33

Date

28.1.86 (cont'd)

Statements by Chinese

Officials

Constitutional Reforms (63)

Statements by Government News Comments/Editorials

Officials

Statements/Comments

by others

(HK Economic Journal quoting an unnamed Exco member): The 1987 review would possibly propose the introduction of direct elections for some Legco seats in 1988 but as this would be a "major change", the British Government must consult Peking and get its consent first. It was unlikely that the 1987 Green Paper on representative government would propose any change to the structure of Exco, the relationship between Legco and Exco or the role of the /Governor as both Britain and China wished to maintain the status quo of Exco for a long time to come. The 1987 review would be the Government's last chance to design and promote the representative system. After 1988,

representative

government would develop in accordance with the Basic Law