VERMENT HOUSE HONG KONG.
TUE 20 NO 93 12:16
PG.07
SECRET
5
in London. We have all reluctantly concluded that we now have no choice but to begin the process of legislating on the simpler issues - not least if we are to give ourselves more time to talk
with China about the more difficult ones.
The Foreign Secretary has therefore advised the Chinese Government that draft legislation will be introduced into this Council covering :
voting method and voting age for District
District Boards,
Municipal Councils and Legislative Council;
the abolition of appointed seats in District Boards
and Municipal Councils;
and an increase in the number of elected seats in
Municipal Councils.
As an indication of our wish to continue cooperation
with the Chinese side, the draft legislation will also include
provisions to permit Hong Kong residents who are members of Chinese People's Congresses to serve in district organisations
and in this Council. It is our firm intention therefore to
follow the normal procedure, gazette the Bill on the 10 December, and to introduce the legislation on 15 December. This will give
the Council the chance to set up a Committee to consider the Bill
before the Christmas recess; to wait longer would delay everything until mid-January.
Where Britain and China have reached a common view, the legislation will reflect that. Indeed, a good proportion of the
legislation represents common ground between us.
There is no reason, in our view, why the talks should
not now continue So that the two sides can resolve the
outstanding differences between us on the major issues.
SECRET