TNAG-1721-FCO40-2401-Hong-Kong-1987-Review-of-Representative-Government-delegati-1988 — Page 187

CONFIDENTIAL

Review of Representative Government

6.

Decisions on direct elections will be announced in White Paper

in February. (If pressed): Governor has helpfully suggested that decisions will need to be taken within following parameters

established by state of local opinion:

(a)

(b)

many in community do not have a view or have not put one

forward;

most of those who do take an interest believe there should

be direct elections before 1997;

(c) on question of introduction of direct elections in 1988,

community is sharply divided.

Implementation of Joint Declaration

7.

Smooth implementation of Joint

Very satisfied with progress. Declaration will greatly assist confidence. Both sides fully committed to this. (Recent achievements: Hong Kong participation in various internaitonal organisations; BNO passport; separate air

service arrangements for HK).

Basic Law

8. We are monitoring the drafting carefully. Chinese understand

that its provisions must reflect JD clearly and unambiguously.

Vietnamese Refugees

9. Arrivals up.

Resettlement down. Acutely aware of Hong Kong's

concers. Doing all we can (we are taking 468 more over next 2

years; intensifying search for durable solutions).

-Report in press of changes in closed Camp Policy inaccurate.

CONFIDENTIAL