The World - News from Feb. 11, 1988

The Hong Kong government has ruled out any major political changes before 1991, a decision certain to trigger strong protests from reform groups seeking direct elections to the colony’s Legislative Council. The colonial government said it recognizes the need for such elections but would not call them before 1991. A policy document proposes that 10 of the 56 Legislative Council members be elected from new constituencies scattered throughout Hong Kong Island, Kowloon and the New Territories. At present, the Legislative Council is a consultative body with no substantive power. Hong Kong reverts to Chinese rule in 1997.