TNAG-1750-FCO40-2470-Future-of-Hong-Kong-Parliamentary-debates-1988 — Page 104

From The Minister of State

Foreign and Commonwealth Office

London SW1A 2AH

30 December 1987

Jea. Mi lee,

I much regret that you did not feel able to go through with the meeting planned for 8 December. Through me you would have been able to make known to the British Government your concerns and those of the entire delegation. As the Minister in the Foreign and Commonwealth Office with special responsibility for Hong Kong I was ready to listen carefully to what you had to say.

Before you brought our discussion to an end you handed This has been me a letter addressed to the Prime Minister. brought to her attention, as you requested,

as you requested, and I have been asked by her to reply.

In your letter you suggest that the British and Hong Kong Governments have broken promises to develop

This is not the representative government in Hong Kong. case. Our intention to proceed with development of representative government in Hong Kong remains unchanged. suggest however that it is right to do this prudently with full regard to Hong Kong's circumstances and the wishes of the community as a whole. This process should not be limited to one particular model or form. Hong Kong must develop its own system of government which is suited to its circumstances and requirements, and which meets the wishes of its people.

In considering this issue the British and Hong Kong Governments have taken care to consult the people of

I

The Hon Martin Lee QC JP

Office of the Members of Executive

and Legislative Councils

Legislative Council Building

8 Jackson Road

Central

HONG KONG

/Hong Kong