TNAG-1716-FCO40-2396-Hong-Kong-1987-Review-of-Representative-Government-1988 — Page 34

ARPADL

file amendment to

RESTRICTED

ра

REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT

WILL THE WHITE PAPER CONTAIN A CLEAR TIMETABLE FOR DIRECT ELECTIONS?

-

As I said in the debate on Hong Kong on 20 January, we need to

secure a timetable for progress, expressed in clear and unequivocal

terms.

I have no doubt that the Hong Kong White Paper will include such

a timetable.

HMG BACKTRACKING ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT?

Our commitment to development of representative government in

Hong Kong strong as ever.

I

Process already well underway. We want to see it continue.

But must proceed prudently.

Must reflect special circumstances of Hong Kong.

Must not be imposed on people of Hong Kong: any changes should command the widest possible consensus of support.

That is why Hong Kong Government have carried out extensive

public consultation exercise.

Decisions to be announced in the Hong Kong Government White Paper next month will take fullest possible account of views of community as a whole.

HMG ALREADY COMMITTED TO THE INTRODUCTION OF DIRECT ELECTIONS IN

1988

-

Have never prescribed precise model or timetable for introduction

of direct elections.

This would have been to prejudge issue, make nonsense of public

consultation which we promised would take place in 1987.

RESTRICTED