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wide ranging discussions in the community and had the full support of Her Majesty's Government. The simplest way to respond to the wish of the community in Hong Kong for greater democracy would have been for the Chinese Government to agree to amend the Basic Law in order to provide for a faster rate of increase in the number of directly-elected seats. Majesty's Government pressed the Chinese Government on several occasions to take this step. But the Chinese side maintained that the Basic Law could not be changed before it came into effect in 1997. The Governor therefore decided, with the support of Her Majesty's Government, to look for other ways of extending democratic participation, in conformity with the terms of the Basic Law. Two weeks in advance of the Governor's address, the Foreign and Commonwealth Secretary informed the Chinese Foreign Minister of the substance of the proposals. The Governor also wrote to a senior Chinese official. The Chinese side made no response apart from a request to delay announcement of the proposals.
15.
ery
Her Majesty's Government and the Government however considered that it would not have been acceptable to embark on negotiations with China without the Governor having set out his approach to the Hong Kong community. The Governor emphasised to the Legislative Council that he was setting out proposals, not firm decisions, and that he wished to discuss them with Chinese representatives. They were well received in Hong Kong and by international opinion. In three debates, held in November 1992 and January 1993, the Legislative Council voted by a substantial majority in favour of the Governor's approach. In spite of the hostile reaction from China, opinion polls in Hong Kong since October 1992 have shown continuing support for the Governor's objectives.
16. The Governor went to Peking as soon after his speech to the Legislative Council as the Chinese side were able to
statement 26.8/BRIEFS/NJH
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