CONFIDENTIAL
Chinese pressure for convergence between the 1995 LegCo
and the BL. The BL is explicit that provided the 1995
LegCo conforms to the requirements of the BL, its members
can become members of the first SAR LegCo. The problem is
in the requirements, the most difficult of which is the
stipulation that no more than 20% of LegCo should be made
up of non-Chinese nationals. The 1995 LegCo would also
have to have 10 members returned by an "Election
Committee" (not further defined) in addition to the 20
directly-elected and 30 from functional constituencies.
The need for reform of electoral arrangements in time
for the 1995 elections. The Chinese are pressing for all
arrangements for the 1995 elections to be agreed with
them. HKG are already holding a review and LegCo have
appointed a Select Committee to investigate the subject as
well. A number of the steps which Hong Kong believes are
necessary will be controversial with the Chinese: for
example lowering the voting age to 18 (China opposes, despite the fact that 18 is the voting age in China) and
the plan to establish an independent Electoral and Boundary Commission (albeit appointed by the Governor).
11. Issues for Discussion: the timing and level of an
approach to the Chinese on increasing the pace of democratisation, and whether we will accept a Chinese veto
or take unilateral action at the risk of disrupting the "through-train". How to How to face Hong Kong opinion more squarely with the choice between continuity and more
democracy. On the question of convergence with the BL, the
Chinese have been successfully using the smooth transition
card to secure movement from us on other issues: can we turn
it against them in this case by putting more of the onus on
them to ensure that there is no discontinuity over LegCo
membership in 1997.
FIZABP/4
CONFIDENTIAL