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SECRET
HONG
KONG'S GOVERNMENTAL STRUCTURE AFTER 1997, AND REFERENCES ΤΟ ' DEMOCRACY'
6.
these
points.
The Chinese have not expressed clear and detailed views on
In this context they have propounded two main
principles, ie (a) that Hong Kong
that Hong Kong people will administer Hong Kong
and (b) that present systems will be basically unchanged (although
such 'colonial' features as the Letters Patent and Royal
Instructions, appeals to
to the Privy Council and appointment of the
Governor by the British monarch would be replaced).
7.
Recent
Chinese statements leave open the question to what
extent the appointment of a future Governor and Senior officials
(which would be subject to formal approval by Peking) should be
determined by election or by consultation. On three occasions (at
dinner with Sir P Cradock on 28 October and in the November and
December sessions of the talks) Yao Guang has referred in general
terms to the possibility of either consultation or election.
8.
With regard to administrative structures they have at times
Council might
suggested that such bodies as the Legislative
continue, perhaps in modified form, after 1997, but such suggestions
have not figured in the most
in the most authoritative expositions of China's
plan. However, in the talks on 8 December Yao Guang said that it
was not impossible that current practices would continue after 1997
until the SAR made decision to replace them.
SECRET