TNAG-1719-FCO40-2399-Hong-Kong-1987-Review-of-Representative-Government-1988 — Page 121

157 HKD

Foreign and Commonwealth Office

London SW1A 2AH

ко

From the Secretary of State

HKB 011/1.8

8 March 1988

Mr Hill

N 913 Mr Footman

سرا

Draw Ted.

W/%

Thank you for your letter of 20 February about your recent

visit to Hong Kong.

I have taken careful note of your own impressions of

the feelings of some people in Hong Kong about the timetable

for direct elections there. On the whole, however, I am encouraged

by the general reaction in Hong Kong to the White Paper, which has been positive and welcoming. This has reinforced my own

feeling that the decisions in the White Paper are a balanced

and reasonable response to the views of Hong Kong people on

the issue.

We must take care to take nothing for granted, of course;

but it is my present impression that in steering a course

which aims to provide continuity and durability in Hong Kong's

system of representative government, the White Paper should

help to strengthen confidence in all sections of Hong Kong

society.

You asked about the immigration and employment prospects

of Hong Kong Chinese who may wish to come to work in this

country. There are various channels available:

The Rt Hon Edward Heath MBE MP

/ (a)