DSR 11C (Revised 5/87)
There is thus the prospect of a steady evolution towards
SECURITY CLASSIFICATION fully representative government at a pace which is in
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line with what Hong Kong people want.
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 be sustained.
The record shows clearly that we gave no undertaking in
respect of 1988: we undertook only to hold a Review on
the way forward in 1987 an undertaking 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.
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