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opposed. Public opinion poll showed 66% support for direct
elections in 1991.
Interesting to note that at press conference given by Governor on 19 April, no questions asked on direct elections. Broad agreement in community to support decisions and make them work.
BASIC LAW
Next major event is publication of first draft of Basic Law,
due tomorrow [28 April].
Draft will be subject to public consultation for 5 months, then revised. Consultation process then repeated before formal adoption and promulgation. Elaborate arrangements made by Chinese to discuss with Hong Kong people and seek their views.
[No final translated
text here yet I
Glad that such a full opportunity will be given to Hong Kong
people in particular to express views on draft. No doubt there will be lively debate in Hong Kong, wide range of comments will be put
forward.
Drafting of Basic Law is of course responsibility of Chinese
Government. But as Foreign Secretary said in Parliament in January,
we have right to satisfy ourselves that Basic Law accurately reflects provisions of Joint Declaration.
They
Can tell you in confidence that from the outset we have had
exchanges with Chinese on Basic Law through range of channels.
have been surprisingly receptive to our views. But we do not draw
attention to these exchanges: better in public to lay stress on China's formal responsibility.
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Exchanges will continue. We shall go on stating our views
clearly and firmly. But do not think it would assist our objective to make public representations to Chinese Government.
Primary purpose of Basic Law is to stipulate China's basic
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