TNAG-1444-FCO40-1928-Constitutional-development-in-Hong-Kong-1986 — Page 30

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C

definitive provisions on government structure (but perhaps

only a list of options). In part that probably reflects

genuine doubt whether a clear enough consensus on key issues, including direct elections, will have emerged in Hong Kong. But there may also be the tactical objective of increasing the

pressure on us to refrain from making any definite proposals in this area in the White Paper to be published in late 1987, at the outcome of the review of representative government.

6. The two papers for OD (K) (suitably disguised to hide

their exact status) were discussed by the Executive Council on 11 November. Members commented briefly on the paper on representative government (Hong Kong telno 3746 refers). I

have amended the references in the telegram to take account of editorial discrepancies between the paper as it was seen by ExCo and as it will go to OD(K). I have also side-lined the

passages in question in the attached text of the paper.

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сови

CO Hum

Hong Kong Department

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