WOZAEQ
CONFIDENTIAL
LORD GLENARTHUR'S DRINKS FOR PARLIAMENTARIANS: 27 APRIL 1988
Points to make
INTRODUCTORY REMARKS
Glad to have opportunity to brief colleagues on developments in
Hong Kong. Important events in recent months. Others lie ahead.
Continuing Parliamentary interest in Hong Kong: Commons debate on Annual Report in January, and short debate on Consolidated Fund
Bill in March.
Like to look back over recent events before looking forward.
REVIEW OF REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT
Major political event of last year. Many misconceptions still
persist. Bears repeating that we approached review with an open
Painstaking and genuine attempt to seek views of Hong Kong
mind.
people.
Central feature
-
Some have
Not so.
direct elections. Wide range of evidence
that people were divided over timing of introduction. sought to misrepresent our decision on 1991 as a delay.
commitment made to introduce direct elections at any particular
time: only commitment was to review. This was done.
No
Instructive to see reaction in Hong Kong to our decisions.
Most in Hong Kong considered outcome to be sensible compromise; balanced and reasonable response to views of community as a whole.
In LegCo debate amendment regretting that direct elections would not
be introduced this year was heavily defeated (42 votes to 7): every component of LegCo (including indirectly elected members) was
opposed. Public opinion poll showed 66% support for direct
elections in 1991.
All perfect to
Mort-lue but
look at resul!
Interesting to note that at press conference given by Governor
CONFIDENTIAL
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