RESTRICTED
DIRECT ELECTIONS IN 1991 WILL PROVIDE INSUFFICIENT TIME FOR
DEMOCRACY TO TAKE ROOT
In our view the best guarantee of a well rooted democratic
tradition in Hong Kong is that changes should be steady and gradual.
We need an evolutionary, not a revolutionary, process of change.
The tradition of representative government is well established in Hong Kong. Large part of membership of Municipal Councils and District Boards is directly elected. In 1985, indirect elections
introduced for 24 members of LegCo. Representative base of LegCo
and other bodies in Hong Kong is already large.
TEN DIRECTLY ELECTED SEATS IN 1991 IS TOO FEW
The ten directly elected seats will constitute 18% of LegCo.
addition a further 16 seats (28%) are indirectly elected.
BROKEN PROMISES BY HMG?
In
There is absolutely no truth in this: the 1984 White Paper mad e
no commitment to introduce direct elections in 1988. We undertook
to review position in 1987; and that undertaking was carried out in
full.
CHINA HAS INFLUENCED DECISIONS IN WHITE PAPER?
The decisions in the White Paper were taken by HMG in
consultation with the Hong Kong Government. The key factors in the
decisions were the views of the people of Hong Kong.
Hong Kong prospers when London and Peking are in harmony: overriding need is to secure foundation for future stability and
prosperity of Hong Kong. This cannot be founded on confrontation
between Britain and China.
RESTRICTED
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.