TNAG-1601-FCO40-2194-Hong-Kong-1987-Review-of-Representative-Government-1987 — Page 14

ROBADA

CONFIDENTIAL

MINISTER AF'S VISIT TO HONG KONG

NOTES ON HONG KONG ISSUES

Confidence and Emigration

1.

well

-

Economy is performing

Confidence in Hong Kong remains good.

estimated 11% growth in GDP in 1986, at least 12% expected in 1987. Some signs of slowing down emerged before Stock Market

Indications are that collapse. Property prices remain stable. about 35,000 emigrant visas may be issued in 1987, compared with about 22,000 in 1986. There are a number of reasons for this, including increased emigration opportunities in some leading recipient countries, particularly Canada and Australia. reunion cases. Concern about the future no doubt one factor influencing decisions, but by no means the only one. Many people return to Hong Kong after, obtaining an overseas passport. the above as necessary).

Review of representative government

2.

Many family

(Draw on

Most contentious issue is

As promised in 1984, review of representative government now in hand. Green Paper in May, independent Survey Office report on public response in November. White Paper will be published by Hong Kong Government in February 1988. question of introduction of directly elected element into the

No decisions have been made. But Governor's legislature. impression of findings given in November news conference was

(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

(c)

should be direct elections before 1997;

on question of introduction of direct elections in 1988, community is sharply divided.

No interference from Chinese. Line to take: aware of the debate in Hong Kong. Clearly the review raises difficult issues.

The outcome

CONFIDENTIAL