TNAG-1748-FCO40-2467-Visit-by-Sir-Geoffrey-Howe--Secretary-of-State-for-Foreign-a-1988 — Page 150

2. 100%

ARZADB (2)

(ii)

REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT

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Broken promises

No. We undertook only to carry out a review in 1987. We

have done so.

Further changes in 1991?

Decision on introduction of 10 directly elected seats in 1991 is important step forward.

[If pressed] no decisions have yet been taken about possible

further changes in 1991.

Further changes after 1991?

Certainly do not rule out further changes before 1997, including possibility of additional directly elected seats after

1991.

This will be assesssed in the light of Hong Kong's circumstances and experience of the new arrangements in 1991, and in the light of Basic Law, which will be promulgated in 1990.

Must of course keep in mind need to ensure continuity and

smooth transfer in 1997.

White Paper falls short of people's aspirations: this will

undermine confidence?

Essential that changes introduced in Hong Kong should command widest consensus of local support and offer best prospect of continuity after 1997. That is what White Paper sought to achieve. Believe this can only help to strengthen confidence.

Direct elections in 1991 will provide insufficient time for democracy to take root

Best guarantee of a well rooted democratic tradition in Hong Kong is that changes should be steady and gradual, based on consensus of opinion.

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