TNAG-1877-FCO40-2668-Student-demonstrations-and-internal-political-situation-in-C-1989 — Page 37

ROZANT(3)

B. REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT

4. HMG SHOULD HAVE INTRODUCED REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT FASTER

Have sought to introduce representative government in Hong Kong at pace which commands widest possible support in territory.

If opinion in Hong Kong is now evolving

case we must take account of this.

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as is clearly the

5. WILL YOU REVIEW DECISIONS IN 1988 WHITE PAPER?

We clearly must reassess these decisions in the light of the new

situation.

Even before the events of the last weekend, the Executive and Legislative Councils unanimously called for full democracy in Hong Kong by 2003.

Opinions in Hong Kong are still evolving. As soon as a clear

view emerges we shall need to consider urgently how to reflect this.

6. WILL YOU HOLD REFERENDUM ON DEMOCRACY?

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Referendum can only work if there is a simple question to be

asked. But issues to be decided in this area are complex ones. Not sure that referendum would be helpful in this context. But would not rule it out if that is what people in Hong Kong wanted.

7. VIEWS ON RECENT OMELCO DECISIONS?

Recent events have clearly affected attitudes in Hong Kong towards development of fully democratic institutions. Achievement of consensus by OMELCO clearly a significant step.

When Basic Law drafting process resumes, will ensure OMELCO's views are conveyed to Chinese authorities.