TNAG-1843-FCO40-2618-House-of-Commons-Select-Committee-on-Foreign-Affairs-enquiry-1989 — Page 61

DID NOT STATEMENTS BY HMG IN 1984-5 INDICATE INTENTION OF

INTRODUCING DIRECT ELECTIONS IN 1988?

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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).

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White Paper undertook to review position in 1987: that

undertaking was carried out in full.

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But much has happened since 1984. Joint Declaration signed;

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 favour of decisions, and 8 members spoke against. A motion

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 of

White Paper showed strong support (66%) for direct elections in

1991.