TNAG-1599-FCO40-2192-Hong-Kong-1987-Review-of-Representative-Government-1987 — Page 110

ROBABS

REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT

Defensive points

CONFIDENTIAL

A

(HMG's views on Survey Report)

Have not reached a view.

Report still being considered. But share overall impression of findings on direct election as given by Governor in his press conference on 24 November:

a)

Many in community do not have a view or have not put one

forward.

b)

Most of those who do take an interest believe there should

be some element of direct elections before 1997.

c)

On question of introduction of direct elections in 1988

community is sharply divided.

B

Have also noted clear division of views, including on question of

direct elections, in LegCo debate on 18 November.

(HMG no longer committed to development of representative

government)

Not so. HMG recognise that appropriate development of

representative government is right and necessary if the aspirations

of the Hong Kong people are to be met. Hong Kong Government

conducted extensive survey to find out views of people of Hong Kong.

Steps now being taken to draw up proposals in the light of that

review.

C

HMG/Hong Kong Government going back on commitments made in 1984 White Paper)

-

Quite untrue.

White Paper undertook to review progress in

development of representative government in 1987, and to give

further consideration to direct elections in review. That is now

being done.

(1984 White Paper committed you to introduction of direct elections

in 1988)

No. White Paper noted public response at that time suggested a

cautious approach with a gradual start by introducing very small

CONFIDENTIAL