have been comments from the public concerning the need for the further development of representative
to in Hong Kong
relate to the Draft Agreement government between the United Kingdom and the People's Republic of China.
9
Paragraph 4 of the Draft Agreement confirms the responsibility of the United Kingdom for the administration of Hong Kong with the object of maintaining and preserving its economic prosperity and social stability until 30
30 June 1997. This not only coincides with the philosophy of approach expressed in the Green Paper but also echoes the concern expressed during the two-month period of public consideration and comment that further development must not be carried out at the expense of Hong Kong's prosperity and stability.
10
With regard to public
to public query about the relationship between arrangements for representative government after 30 June 1997 and what is proposed, ad interim, in the Green Paper, Section I of Annex I to the Draft Agreement elaborated the basic policies towards the main elements of the structure of government in Hong Kong as follows
11
(a) the Government and legislature will be composed
of local inhabitants;
(b) the legislature will be elected;
(c) the Executive authorities will be accountable to
the legislature;
(d) principal officials
(Secretaries)
nominated by the Chief Executive; and
will
be
(e) the Chief Executive will be selected by election
or through consultations held locally.
The Green Paper's proposals do not in any way conflict with these aims. If anything, they could perhaps be described as a useful first step towards achieving them.