TNAG-1719-FCO40-2399-Hong-Kong-1987-Review-of-Representative-Government-1988 — Page 162

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DIRECT ELECTIONS IN 1991 WILL PROVIDE INSUFFICIENT TIME FOR

DEMOCRACY TO TAKE ROOT

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Best guarantee of a well rooted democratic tradition in Hong Kong

is that changes should be steady and gradual.

Tradition of representative government well established in Hong

Kong.

Large part of membership of Municipal Councils and District Boards is directly elected. In 1985, indirect elections introduced

for 24 members of LegCo. Representative base of LegCo and other

bodies in Hong Kong is already large.

TEN DIRECTLY ELECTED SEATS IN 1991 IS TOO FEW

Will constitute 18% of LegCo.

In addition a further 16 seats (28%) are indirectly elected.

An impressive and significant step forward.

BROKEN PROMISES BY HMG?

No truth in this: 1984 White Paper made no commitment to

introduce direct elections in 1988.

We undertook to review position in 1987: that undertaking was

carried out in full.

CHINA HAS INFLUENCED DECISIONS IN WHITE PAPER?

Decisions were taken by us: key factors in decisions: views of people of Hong Kong and all its people.

Hong Kong prospers when London and Peking are in harmony: overriding need is to secure foundation for future stability and prosperity of Hong Kong. This cannot be founded on

confrontation between Britain and China.

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