TNAG-1718-FCO40-2398-Hong-Kong-1987-Review-of-Representative-Government-1988 — Page 140

ARPAEX (2)

DA ENSIVE POINTS

RESTRICTED

HMG backtracking on direct elections?/Already promised direct elections in 1988/1984 White Paper committed HMG to this?

-

Commitment to development of representative government as strong

as ever.

But believe changes should be gradual, command widest possible

consensus of support.

Have never prescribed precise model or timetable for introduction of direct elections: that would have been to prejudge

issue, make nonsense of public consultation process.

1984 White Paper made no commitment to introduce direct elections in 1988. Merely noted state of opinion at the time (that suggested a small number of direct elected seats might be introduced

in 1988).

White Paper undertook to review position in 1987: that undertaking was carried out in full.

1984 White Paper and subsequent Ministerial statements created an expectation that there would be direct elections in 1988?

White Paper undertook only that position would be reviewed in

1987.

-

That review left all options open, including possibility of

direct elections in 1988.

But much has happened since 1984 (Joint Declaration has been signed; Basic Law is being drafted). Only natural that this should affect people's thinking about direct elections.

Review was biased

Review was genuine: conducted in a scrupulously fair and

objective way.

Findings are a fair reflection of public opinion as a whole. Finding that on timing of introduction of direct elections

opinion is sharply divided is consistent with what has emerged in debate and discussion at all levels and in all fora in Hong Kong.

RESTRICTED