CONFIDENTIAL
(b) Future political system: model endorsed by BLDC provides for
full direct elections for Legislature and Chief Executive from 2011
and 2012 respectively, subject to approval of at least 30% of
eligible voters in referenda. But strict conditions attached to holding of referenda: majority vote of Legislature, consent of Chief
Executive and approval of NPC. Many people in Hong Kong consider
this timetable too slow and conditions for change too strict.
Drafting improvements in part result of our confidential
contacts with Chinese. But we can get no public credit for this.
Will continue our efforts through all possible channels to secure
further improvements. Chinese have made it clear that further
changes can be made.
Wall Street Journal editorial of 24 January contained some particularly grotesque distortions of the facts (eg Joint
Declaration relegated to history; broken promises over introduction of representative government in Hong Kong). We are responding immediately with a firm rebuttal.
We are also aiming to stimulate articles by authoritative
figures in Hong Kong to counter-balance the negative press coverage
and to point up the gains achieved so far in the Basic Law drafting
process.
Will continue to look for opportunities to underline
publicly our firm commitment to Hong Kong and our confidence in its
future.
CONFIDENTIAL