TNAG-1601-FCO40-2194-Hong-Kong-1987-Review-of-Representative-Government-1987 — Page 217

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From The Minister of State

ka. M. Lee.

НКВ

Foreign and Commonwealth Office

011/2

KECE VEL IN NUDISTRY

1 1 JAN 1988

DESK OFFICER INDEX

PA

London SW1A 2AH

30

22 December 1987

~29/12 Mr Fothman

W/23/12

I much regret that you did not feel able to go through with the meeting planned for 8 December. Through me you would have been able to make known to the British Government your concerns and those of the entire delegation. As the Minister in the Foreign and Commonwealth Office with special responsibility for Hong Kong I was ready to listen carefully to what you had to say.

Before you brought our discussion to an end you handed me a letter addressed to the Prime Minister. This has been brought to her attention, as you requested, and I have been asked by her to reply.

In your letter you suggest that the British and Hong Kong Governments have broken promises to develop representative government in Hong Kong. This is not the

Our intention to proceed with development of representative government in Hong Kong remains unchanged. suggest however that it is right to do this prudently with full regard to Hong Kong's circumstances and the wishes of the community as a whole. This process should not be limited to one particular model or form. Hong Kong must develop its own system of government which is suited to its circumstances and requirements, and which meets the wishes of its people.

In considering this issue the British and Hong Kong Governments have taken care to consult the people of Hong Kong at every stage. This was the purpose of the review which took place in 1984. It was also the purpose of the

1987 Green Paper, which carries out in full the commitments made in the 1984 White Paper.

/I

I

The Hon Martin Lee QC JP

Office of the Members of Executive

and Legislative Councils

Legislative Council Building

8 Jackson Road

Central

HONG KONG