PTAAAH
Mr Osborne
News, Department
पाळ
011/2
0 7 DEC 1987
A
LETTER FROM MARTIN LEE ET AL IN GUARDIAN ON 4 DECEMBER
011/2
660
We spoke about this letter. I set out below a line to take in your comments thereon to individuals from the media.
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
Neither the British nor the Hong Kong Governments have at any time made any commitment to the introduction of direct elections in 1988.
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The Hong Kong Government 1984 White Paper observed that views in Hong Kong at that time suggested the introduction of a very small number of directly elected members in 1988. The White Paper made a commitment to review the situation in 1987. Strong emphasis on cautious approach. That review is now in hand 1987 Green Paper, Survey Office Report, leading to White Paper in New Year. Review involves extensive consultation exercise with the people of Hong Kong to ascertain their current views. Committed to take full account of views of people in Hong Kong in deciding the way ahead.
No decision has yet been taken. But the Governor of Hong Kong has given impressions@s:
2.
(*)
(ii)
(a)
Most of those who take an interest in this subject do believe that there should be some element of direct elections before 1997.
That there is a considerable section of the community which has not responded, does not have a view, or has not put forward a view.
On the question of introduction of direct elections in 1988 the community is sharply divided.
I enclose relevant extracts from the 1984 White Paper.
Robert Furthuan
R C L Footman
WH 312
270 2651
4 December 1987
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