ROFACH(11)
6. Chinese Influence
CHINESE VIEWS DURING 1987/88 REVIEW ON DIRECT ELECTIONS IN HONG
KONG
Chinese spokesmen made clear that there should be convergence between development of representative government in Hong Kong and
Li Hou said that the Basic Law, which is to be promulgated in 1990. "if direct elections were hastily introduced in 1988, then situation of non-convergence with Basic Law would occur".
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Decisions were taken by us. All options in Review (including direct elections in 1988) were genuine ones. Key factors in decisions were views of people of Hong Kong and interests of Hong Kong and all its people.
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But in commenting on Green Paper, many people referred to importance of ensuring that development of government before 1997 was compatible with Basic Law. Many people in Hong Kong no doubt influenced by what they believed to be China's wishes.
BRITAIN SHOULD HAVE STOOD UP TO CHINA
Not a question of standing up to China. Over-riding need is to secure foundation for future stability and prosperity of Hong Kong. This cannot be founded on confrontation between Britain and China.
WERE CHINESE WERE CONSULTED ON 1987/88 DECISION?
Frequent exchanges with Chinese Government about Hong Kong.
Kept Chinese Government should be kept informed about Hong Kong people's thinking on issues dealt with in Green Paper.
But decisions on outcome of 1987/88 Review were ours alone.
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