25 Nov
principle of Hongkong people ruling policy. They could possibly include st we must realize that we basically Britain's consistent policy must be
....
ise achieve its basic aim - not letting mise made to the members of the , and second for administration; ..
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tems to be an irreversible national least gave a "rational" explanation. to the members of the Executive
(iii)
(ii)
(i)
Extract from "wide Ample" 16 Novemba 1983.
FE/7500/A3/9
25 Nov 83,
83 (cppc.cment
The other day, Ji Pengfei revealed to Huang Meng Hua that the administrative chief might be elected through group consultations. The well-known figure said that to his knowledge, such an election actually was not a fixed policy. He said that China would consider at least three ways of electing an administrative chief, depending on Britain's attitude towards co-operation:
"(1) If co-operation with Britain is not satisfactory and if the citizens at that time have not shown adequate education and sense concerning democracy, it will be like this: The Executive Council and the Legislative Council will be integrated into one to gradually carry out the system of councillors partially elected by the people. How the chief will be elected will depend on prevailing circumstances."
(2) If, in the period of transition, Britain really lets the people of Hongkong rule Hongkong and if, by that time, the Hongkong people also have shown a keen sense of freedom and democracy, then of course the system of elections involving the whole people can be carried out."
When it comes to elections involving the whole people, it is a common belief that it is a Western product. This new generation of ours has fallen for it. However, because political parties with different ideologies assume power only to be replaced, the democratic systems in Western Europe and Britain have successively witnessed cases of social chaos and disquiet, with their economies falling into a stagnant state. Can such a tiny society as Hongkong stand the test? Will China really sit tight watching in the side- lines if an unstable situation appears in Hongkong? As if he had had personal experience with the above problems, he said: These are the very problems that we must consider carefully.
"(3) If Britain pays lip service to co-operation but actually fails to educate the citizens on the implementation of democratic ideas and if it does not wish to hold elections, then a system of consultations will be introduced, as suggested by Ji Pengfel."
In a word, the system-of-consultations is not a fixed policy. He said that the form most likely to appear will be partial democracy, with the election of the council chairman, or the equivalent of a mayor, among councillors elected by the people.
As far as Leftists are concerned, the images of some commercial and industrial groups is at present undergoing changes. The atmosphere of demorcatic discussion is also stronger than before. Undeniably, both the Chinese and the British sides want to listen more to those views agreeable to their own. However, Chinese officials do understand that it is not enough to just listen to the views of the Leftists. This year, there has been an increase in the number of CPPCC members of different backgrounds. The certain well- known figure is such a member. These CPPCC members are more open than Leftists in their speeches. At CPPCC conferences, some individual members have said that it will not do for Hongkong people to rule Hongkong and have instead suggested that Britain continue its rule for 20 to 30 years. Their opinions have been included in reports issued to other CPPCC groups for reference. Therefore, the current atmosphere suggests more freedom and frankness.
He added that Leftists are also Hongkong citizens and have the right to speak and the right to stand for election. Otherwise, Hongkong will not be ruled by democratic means. In those areas where there is a relatively high sense of democracy, the electors are always vigilant and keen-sighted."
Concerning a Local Constitution, the certain well-known figure said that there will definitely be a legal guarantee for Hongkong's future status. It will not, however, take the form of a “Local Constitution", but will instead be called "specifications and articles for a special administrative district" (Chinese: Te bie xing zheng qu xiang xi tiao wen 3676 0446 5887 2398 0575 6116 4798 2742 2429) it will be generally stipulated that the special administrative district has special laws in itself. Its laws can be based on the laws of Hongkong and Taiwan. Passports, the right to appeal, and other matters will
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