28-OCT-1992 17:29
A.G.'S CHAMBERS
+852 877 2130
P.05
7.
to
This proposal is not very different in substance what your Foreign Ministry put to us on 15 January, It involves a slightly higher starting point
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in 1991, and bringing forward what you have proposed for 1999 to 1997. But I believe that these small changes would make all the difference in terms of obtaining support in Hong Kong and ensuring that the British ability to administer the Territory between now and 1997 is not eroded.
8.
If you wished to provide for the establishment of a grand electoral college in the Basic Law, and the arrangements for constituting this body were open and fully representative, We would wish to see it initiated in 1995 through consultations between our two sides. Those elected by the grand electoral college in that year would subsequently be able to become members of the first Legislature of the SAR .if they met the requirements for membership stipulated in the Basic Law. Other members of the 1995 Legislature would, as provided for in the second draft of the Basic Law, also become members of the first SAR Legislature. I also consider it important, if the political structure provisions of the Basic Law are to command support in Hong Kong, that the pattern of voting should be the one that Hong Kong is used to. What is needed is to ensure overall continuity in the Legislature.
9.
I very much hope that we can reach agreement on this important question. It is one of great significance for ensuring the political stability of Hong Kong. Doing would enable us to co-operate fully with you in developing a political structure which
SO
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convergence and a smooth transition. on these points
Beijing to hold
would ensure
Agreement between us
would also open the way for me to visit
discussions with you on matters of mutual
concern and to take forward the ideas for improving Sino-British relations which were set out in the Prime Minister's message to General Secretary Jiang Zemin.
P4689
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