We believe that the compilation of this report reflected an extreme degree either of cynicism or bureaucratic incompetence. Its effect has been to confuse and divide Hong Kong public opinion rather than to articulate it. We hope that this was not the intention.
Two points on its findings. First, the Green Paper was 48 pages long, and contained three dozen propositions for possible change down to the most local levels of government. As a result and as the Survey Office itself records few people who read the Green Paper admitted to understanding it. Second, the finding of only a very modest minority "in favour of direct elections in 1988" does not mean that there was a very large majority against them -- only that the question contained several variables, and thus produced fragmented answers.
You may reasonably think that we have attacked the Survey Office report because we do not like the conclusions towards which it points. If so, and if you have the opportunity, please take a look for yourself at either the Green Paper or at the Survey Office Report and see on how tangled a thread public opinion is left hanging.
1988
The Joint Declaration accords to Britain responsibility for running Hong Kong until 1997. Direct elections this year are within Britain's power to grant. Please, if you care for the future of the people and good government of Hong Kong, speak in support of the introduction of direct elections in 1988.
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Yours sincerely,
Teresa K.M. Ma Honorary Secretary
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