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REC
125
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Part Rels
QUESTION TIME: 10 JUNE
HONG KONG: BULL POINTS
RELATIONS WITH CHINA OVER HONG KONG
J
- We remain committed to good cooperation with China on the basis of the Joint Declaration. Aim remains a smooth transition in Hong Kong. There has been no change in our policy on this.
- Pleased that we have at last been able to hold talks with the Chinese on the electoral arrangements for the 1994/95 elections. We and the Governor have made plain since October that we wished to discuss with the Chinese side the proposals which the Governor put forward with our full support.
- Our aim in the talks will be to reach an understanding with China on arrangements to ensure that the elections in 1994 and 1995 are fair, open and acceptable to the people of Hong Kong. If that proves possible, we and the Governor will recommend the outcome to the Legislative Council. It will be for them to pass the necessary legislation.
GOVERNOR'S PROPOSALS ON CONSTITUTIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Governor's proposals are the result of wide-ranging consultations. They respond to the rapid growth of political awareness in Hong Kong in recent years, and have the full support of the British Government.
- Mr Patten is aiming to make Hong Kong's administration more effective and accountable, and the electoral system more fair and democratic, while doing his best to ensure that the changes introduced under British administration will survive beyond 1997.
- Believe strong executive-led Government, and vigorous democratic institutions, are the best means of safeguarding Hong Kong's way of life.
- The Governor's proposals are fully consistent with the Joint Declaration and the wording of the Basic Law. They do not contravene the diplomatic exchanges which took place in 1990.
Simplest way to extend democracy would be to increase number of directly-elected seats at 1995 Legislative Council elections beyond the 20 laid down in the Basic Law. (China's constitutional blueprint for post-1997 Hong Kong.)
- But, given Chinese position that Basic Law cannot be changed, Governor decided to explore alternative ways of broadening democratic participation within the terms of the Basic Law.
bullpoints.2.BACKBRIEF.JRB