TNAG-1443-FCO40-1927-Constitutional-development-in-Hong-Kong-1986 — Page 65

28.

Redacted under FOI Exemption S 27(1)

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1 a

Nor quite?

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And we have sought

to reassure Hong Kong opinion that the 1987 review will be a genuine and open one, which we are approaching without preconceived ideas.

Prospects

29.

Our approach to the development of representative government in Hong Kong has throughout been a very cautious one. We have sought to build on local institutions and traditions. This approach has been welcomed by the people of Hong Kong. They have shown a consistent preference for gradualism, and a strong concern that social stability should not be endangered.

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AND

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WOULD

30.

Many people in Hong Kong will continue to take this view and will not wish to see the 1987 review leading to dramatic changes. However, the past two or three years have seen the emergence of a more political element in the Hong Kong community, who criticise what they see as a perpetuation of undesirable colonial features in BE the present system of government.

taken They have

the lead in demanding a faster pace of constitutional change and in particular direct elections \ in 1988. The proponents of these ideas are at present a minority, but they are a very vocal one whose views are given widespread coverage in the media.

the other hand the introduction of direct elections wad increase nervousness among the business community.

On

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ONLY FOR SMALL PROPORTION OF SEATS

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