DSR 11C (Revised 5/87)
SECURITY CLASSIFICATION
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PRIVACY MARKING
In Confidence
13.
There is, however, a vocal and articulate minority
in Hong Kong who claim that the Government had promised
in 1984 to introduce direct elections in 1988; that we
reneged on this "promise" in response to Chinese
pressure; and that the review of Hong Kong opinion in
1987 was fixed in order to achieve the desired outcome.
They argue that the establishment of a fully democratic
system in Hong Kong is the most effective safeguard
against interference by China after 1997 and that the
Government's reluctance to force the pace over the
developoment of representative government is undermining
confidence, particularly amongst the young professional
classes in Hong Kong, on whom Hong Kong's future depends.
This allegation of 'broken promises' cannot however be
sustained. The record shows clearly that we gave no
undertaking in respect of 1988: we undertook only to hold
an undertaking
a Review on the way forward in 1987
which we carried out to the letter.
The Review was fair
and objective. Our decision to introduce an element of
direct elections in 1991 was based on our best assessment
of the wishes of the community as a whole and on a
careful judgement of what was best for Hong Kong, given
all the circumstances.
HONG KONG'S HIGH DEGREE OF AUTONOMY
14. In practice the Hong Kong Government has enjoyed
extensive autonomy for many years. We are now seeking
wherever possible to formalize those arrangements so as
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