TNAG-2769-FCO40-3986-Hong-Kong-and-the-media-interviews--press-briefings-and-the--1994 — Page 97

prospect of further development in this direction following a

further review in 1987, which will consider also the question of

direct elections. At the same time it rightly avoids sudden and

dramatic changes, which could unsettle the very stability that

all our efforts are designed to secure.

Minister of State for Hong Kong (Mr Luce) in the House

5 December 1984

The constitutional development of Hong Kong has caused great

interest and a large number of hon. Members have expressed

legitimate concerns. We all fully accept that we should build

up a firmly-based, democratic administration in Hong Kong in the

years between now and 1997. The White Paper sets out the

proposals on elections to the Legislative Council in 1985, after

taking account of public comments on the earlier Green Paper.

The White Paper envisages a step-by-step approach that is the right way of proceeding to more representative government which takes fully into account Hong Kong's special circumstances

and traditions.

-

Foreign Secretary (Sir G Howe)

July 1989

In recent years, Hong Kong has been developing a more

representative system of government. When the Joint Declaration was signed in 1984 there were no elected Members of the Legislation Council.

We have always sought to develop

It is

representative government in line with the wishes of the

community as a whole and to ensure that what is achieved under

British administration is firm and durable. These will remain

the guiding principles as we consider the way forward. now clear that Hong Kong opinion has moved on since last year.

Britain will continue to construct its approach to this question on the basis of the views that Hong Kong people themselves express.

dec.mt.PR

SLM