10.7.93
Lu Ping
10.7.93
CONFIDENTIAL
14.
It is possible to set objective criteria for the through train. However, it is up to the NPC Standing Committee to decide whether these criteria can be announced before 1995. For legislators elected in 1995 to ride the through train, they must be confirmed by the SARPC in 1997. Things will be easily done if they conform with the objective standards set down in the BL, such as those regarding age, residence and nationality. The criterion of upholding the BL needs elaboration.
Chinese sources quoted by the HK Economic Journal
Since the British side is willing to abide by the "three conformities", the Chinese side would consider formulating objective criteria for the through train.
10.7.93
Wen Wei Po editorial
The through train issue raised by the British side has posed obstacles to the talks. As the formation of the first SAR legislature involves the handing over of the administration, the legislators must be confirmed by the SARPC. It will be up to the NPC Standing Committee to decide whether the criteria for a legislator to ride the through train can be announced before 1995.
10.7.93
Ta Kung Pao editorial
11.7.93
HKMAO deputy director Chen Ziying
It will be up to the SARPC to decide who can ride the through train. Apart from Article 104, Articles 67 and 79 of the BL state that legislators can be disqualified for misconduct or breaking their pledge of allegiance to the SAR.
The SARPC preparatory working committee has no power to interpret the criteria for the through train, which should be spelt out by the NPC or the SARPC.
12.7.93
NPC Standing Committee vice- chairman Wang Hanbin
To uphold the BL is to support the contents and the spirit of the mini-constitution.
14.7.93
Wu Jianfan, mainland member of the SARPC preparatory working
committee
If the talks can reach an agreement on the through train, the work of the preparatory working committee would become easier as all it needs is to follow the agreement.
CONFIDENTIAL