HONG KONG: SECRETARY OF STATE'S ARTICLE FOR THE TIMES
One of the most difficult decisions I have had to take since becoming Foreign Secretary last September is how Hong Kong should develop constitutionally between now and 1997.
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The system of government in Hong Kong has evolved in a way which has reflected the particular circumstances of the territory. key factor has always been the views of Hong Kong people themselves. Local attitudes have undoubtably been influenced by concern that any sudden or dramatic change could have a destabilising effect on the territory; and by the desire not to upset the delicate balance which permitted Hong Kong to continue to exist as a small capitalist enclave off the coast of mainland China.
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When the Joint Declaration was signed in 1984 there were no elected members of the Legislative Council. Now 26 members, almost half the total, are indirectly elected. In February 1988 the Hong Kong Government announced that ten directly elected seats would be introduced in the 1991 elections to the Legislative Council. it has been clear for some time that a growing number of politically conscious people in Hong Kong want to see a more rapid rate of progress. The question we have had to decide is what new starting point would be right.
The
Our aim throughout has been to set in place a system of democracy which would satisfy aspirations in Hong Kong but at the same time be capable of enduring and developing up to any beyond 1997. decision which I announced in the House of Commons on 16 February to introduce 18 directly elected seats in 1991 and no less than 20 in 1995 was based on these guiding principles.
A major consideration in reaching this decision was the views of Hong Kong people. I had the opportunity to hear a wide range of Hong Kong opinion at first hand when I visited the territory in January. Dame Lydia Dunn and Allen Lee, the Senior Members of Hong
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