3
dina
Barcant
ionals
Save
Seen ceports
new provision
who can
Cest
the Basi
the numcer
De members of the Legislature
the total. This has caused concern in Hong IS ~ould Out 3 serious obstacle in the way nt Continuity. It would also be very difficult to Implement.
song.
id.
Jensicie
limited
It
S quite clear that the acceptability Opinion in Hong Kong of а Legislature with a increasing proportion of directly elected seats crucially affected by the voting and other O which I have referred. I therefore hope that you will give serious attention to these points.
De
:rrangements
Get me assure you once more that it is the British
Declaration.
Government's wish to do everything possible to ensure a smooth transition in 1997, in accordance with the Joint We want to be able to support the Basic Law publicly when it is promulgated, and to persuade Hong Kong people to support and have confidence in it. But I have to
say that 1 f
changes to the provisions of the politicai system are not made, I would expect resignations from the Executive and Legislative Councils. These are the very people on whom we depend to maintain efficient government in Hong Kong. There might also be a lack of cooperation from the Legislative Council in Legislation for the 1991 elections.
passing the necessary
In such circumstances,
to
maintain the
the ability of the British Government stability and prosperity of Hong Kong in the remaining years of British administration could be seriously impaired.