DEMOCRATISATION
CONFIDENTIAL
Objectives
1. To make clear need for very careful handling of proposals for
faster pace of democratisation before 1997 and complexities involved
in decision on 1991 elections.
Points to make
What Committee has proposed goes behond any proposals put forward
in Hong Kong. Still subject of intense debate in Hong Kong.
Our guiding principles will be to take full account of Hong Kong opinion and to try to establish system that will last.
- This is why we have repeatedly stressed the need for relevant provisions of Basic Law to be compatible with changes we make before
1997.
- In considering plans for 1991 elections, will want to ensure
decisions reflect as accurately as possible wishes of community.
Will of course give particular weight to views of OMELCO).
- Cannot rush to judgement while Hong Kong people still digesting
issues involved.
Defensive
- No unpublished commitments on democracy or indeed anything else
relayed to the Chinese at time of JD. Our position on
democratisation has been clear and consistent.
NESADD
CONFIDENTIAL