DEMOCRATISATION
CONFIDENTIAL
- Have taken note of Committee's recommendation on development of democracy. What Committee has proposed goes beyond any proposals put forward in Hong Kong. Still a subject of intense debate in Hong
Kong.
a
- As far as composition of future SAR legislation is concerned,
number of different proposals have been put forward. Still no
clear consensus. Vital that relevant provisions of Basic Law
reflect wishes of Hong Kong people and are compatible with charges
we make before 1997. Chinese drafters will be finalising relevant
provisions in meetings with HK representatives in next two months.
- As far as arrangements for period before 1997 are concerned, our
guiding principle will be to take full account of Hong Kong opinion
and to try to establish a political system which can last up to and
beyond 1997.
- Should not rest to judgement while Hong Kong people themselves are
still digesting issues involved.
- In considering plans for 1991 LegCo elections, will want to
ensure that decisions reflect as accurately as possible wishes of
community. Will of course give particular weight to views of
OMELCO.
Defensive
-
- No question of "doing a deal" with Chinese. Decision on 1991
LegCo Elections is one for us, taking full account of Hong Kong
opinion.
No unpublished commitments on democracy or indeed anything else
relayed to the Chinese at the time of the 1984 Joint Declaration.
Our position on democratisation has been clear and consistent.
NESACR (10)
CONFIDENTIAL