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HONG KONG: CONSTITUTIONAL ISSUES: MAIN CHINESE POINTS AND OUR
RESPONSE
1.
The Governor's policy speech marks a fundamental change in the British approach to Hong Kong. The Joint Declaration says that in the second half of the transition period there will be
"closer cooperation, which will therefore be intensified during
that period". Britain has broken that by announcing big changes
unilaterally, with no effort to consult the Chinese side
beforehand.
No change in Britain's approach to relations with China over
Hong Kong. We still want good cooperation in the interests of a
smooth transition. The Joint Declaration remains the foundation
of our policy;
On an issue of this importance in Hong Kong, it was not politically possible for the Governor to spend months discussing
his thinking privately with the Chinese side before saying
anything in public. The resulting speculation and uncertainty
in Hong Kong would have damaged stability and prosperity;
-
We
We did explain the proposals in detail to the Chinese side
beforehand: to avoid surprises. And emphasised throughout that
on electoral arrangements, the Governor announced proposals. genuinely want to discuss these with the Chinese side and are
open to alternative ideas. What we need now is calm discussion
of the substance.
2. In 150 years of British rule in Hong Kong there was no
democracy. In the last years of the transition, you are
suddenly introducing major changes. China has long said there that should only be gradual change in this period.
- Would not agree that Governor's proposals add up to a major
change. The Joint Declaration envisages evolution in
Hong Kong's political system: from the wholly appointed
legislature of 1984 to one which by 1997 would be "constituted
by elections";
Points. PETEJRB
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