TNAG-1751-FCO40-2471-Future-of-Hong-Kong-Parliamentary-debates-1988 — Page 7

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HRB 040/2

13th January, 1988

Rt. Hon. George Younger, MP

Sect. State, Defence

House of Common

British Parliament

London SW1A OAA

25 JAN 1988

Dear Rt. Hon. Younger,

Re: The Debate on Hong Kong

We understand that there will be a debate in the House of Commons on the Annual Report on Hong Kong 1986-87. The following matters would be worthwhile for your attention as we believe they are pertinent to the forthcoming debate.

The British Government and the Hong Kong Government in 1984 and 1985 promised that there would be a democratic or representative system of government established in Hong Kong well before 1997 SO to enable the people of Hong Kong to exercise "a high degree of autonomy" under the "one country two systems" policy enshrined in the Joint Declaration. The people of Hong Kong were also led to believe that direct elections for some of the seats in the legislative council would be introduced this

year.

In the last two years, the people in Hong Kong have lost much confidence in their future, and those who are qualified to emigrate have either gone or are in the process of making arrangements to do so.

We therefore venture to take this opportunity to appeal to you to speak up for the people of Hong Kong in the forthcoming debate and hold the British Government to its promises by introducing direct elections in 1988. We believe that this is the best way to make the people of Hong Kong feel more confident in their future.

Yours sincerely,

Loudh

(Rev. Louis E.K. Ha)

for the undersigned individuals and organizations

P.2/(Individuals)...