TNAG-1750-FCO40-2470-Future-of-Hong-Kong-Parliamentary-debates-1988 — Page 81

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conflict of interests with the central government or provincial authorities in Mainland China.

in The British Administration

Hong Kong should not therefore hesitate in introducing direct elections to 25% of

while the seats of the Legislative Council in 1988,

keeping 25% for Functional Constituencies, 25% for Electoral Colleges, and the remaining 25% for appointed members.

We submit that for the reasons given above,

when the

is properly analysed and understood, it

is

clear majority

support

from

Survey Office Report shows convincingly that there the people of Hong Kong for introducting direct elections in 1988.

Such

wishes the a decision will not only accord with of the majority of the people of Hong Kong, but it will also restore their

prove

that

you,

respect for

Prime

will further of honour, and it importantly,

It government.

are a

person But more

their Minister, have the courage of your convictions. will show the people of Hong Kong that there is hope yet in the future; and that

a government

high degree of autonomy in 1997 to protect their interests under the And if the terms of the Joint Declaration and the Basic

could they

have

Law.

a with

people of Hong Kong feel confident about their future, the tide of emigration will ebb.

White Paper

Council

But time is running short, for the Executive will soon come to its decision on the political review, and in

will decide whether or not direct particular, it

elections would be introduced in 1988. But their decision will have to in a be approved by your Government before it will be published White Paper on 10th February 1988.

for

We have reason to believe that the White Paper will

there is say that although

overwhelming

direct support elections before 1997, opinions are split as to whether or not not true for they should be introduced in 1988 (though this is

above); and that it is therefore proposed elections would only be

in introduced If this should happen, it would seriously damage the credibility of the British Government.

the

given reasons that direct 1992.

of Further, we fail to see the logic

1991 or

postponing the

introduction of direct elections for 3 or 4 years from 1988 to

If 1991 or 1992. which is before elections will be producing

lack a

Government Kong

can

in s ay

the Hong

1987, the promulgation of the Basic Law, that direct

fear introduced in 1991

1992 without

of of convergence with the Basic Law, then why could direct elections not be introduced in 1988?

Direct elections in 1988

We submit that

or

decision a

For the

not to hold direct

elections in 1988 would be wholly unaccept able to the majority of the people of Hong

Kong.

introduction

of direct