ROFACH (8)
DID NOT STATEMENTS BY HMG IN 1984-5 INDICATE INTENTION OF INTRODUCING DIRECT ELECTIONS IN 1988?
They did not. None of them went beyond stating general intention of promoting further development towards representative government, again reviewing the question of direct elections in 1987, and building up a firmly based democratic administration by 1997.
HMG "BROKE PROMISES" TO INTRODUCE DIRECT ELECTIONS IN 1988?
1984 White Paper made no commitment to introduce direct elections in 1988. Merely noted state of opinion at time (that suggested a small number of direct elected seats might be introduced
in 1988).
White Paper undertook to review position in 1987: that undertaking was carried out in full.
Joint Declaration signed; But much has happened since 1984. Basic Law is being drafted. Fact that it was widely believed that Chinese Government did not favour introduction of direct elections before Basic Law finalised may well have influenced public opinion.
REACTIONS IN HONG KONG TO DECISIONS IN WHITE PAPER OF FEBRUARY
1988?
In the LegCo debate on the White Paper 37 members spoke in
A motion favour of decisions, and 8 members spoke against. regretting the Government's decision not to introduce direct elections in 1988 was defeated by 42 notes to 7.
First poll of public opinion in Hong Kong after publication White Paper showed strong support (668) for direct elections in
1991
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