TNAG-1717-FCO40-2397-Hong-Kong-1987-Review-of-Representative-Government-1988 — Page 22

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2.

supporters. Elsewhere in the NT people have urged that the proliferation of highly visible publicity material be more strictly controlled. In Wanchai, the New China News Agency has promised support to at least three candidates, while in

Southern "senior officers" of the NCNA have urged an industrialist

to stand for election.

Direct Elections

4.

There was very little apparent reaction to the

Parliamentary Debate on the 1987 Annual Report on Hong Kong.

In Sai Kung, the community appears to have concluded that the

further development of representative government is best left to the Government. In North District, the public perception appears to be that an element of direct elections will be introduced in 1991 with China's blessing. DO North thinks even

the "pro-democracy lobby" appears to have mellowed somewhat and

a number of radicals may be ready to accept direct elections in

1991 as a modus vivendi.

Basic Law

5.

In general there has been negligible feedback on this topic. News that the first draft will appear in the Spring,

and more particularly XU Jiatun's comments about how to consult

public opinion on it, have begun to stimulate spasmodic interest.

Hong Kong Dollar link

6.

This subject continues to inspire comment. Some

consumers fear for their purchasing power if the link is not adjusted, exporters fear their profits if it is. Despite official denials, there is a view that the link will be adjusted upwards.

Emigration

7.

This is a favourite topic. People in Tsuen Wan disbelieve Government statements that emigration is not a problem.

They anticipate a substantial increase in the numbers seeking to

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/emigrate