CONFIDENTIAL
adverse reaction from conservative
elements in Hong Kong (which
Mr Galsworthy discussed in para 7 of his submission, and which the
Secretary of State noted) has receded somewhat. The question of
concurrent membership of the CPPCC and representative bodies in Hong
Kong has been periodically aired in the Hong Kong press without
giving rise to undue apprehension. In general Hong Kong opinion is
adjusting quite well to the realities of the new relationship with China imposed by the conclusion of the agreement on the territory's
future.
5. The only new element in the EXCO paper is the discussion of
concurrent membership of the National People's Congress and of Hong
Kong Boards and Councils. The paper concludes that this would be
ruled out under Hong Kong law as it stands. We agree. We also feel
that as a matter of principle this would probably be undesirable
(para 8 of Mr Galsworthy's submission). I therefore think it would
be right for the view of the Hong Kong Government that NPC
membership was incompatible with membership of the Hong Kong Boards or Councils to be made known in response to any questions, as the
Governor proposes in para 6(c) of the draft EXCO paper. But it
would be preferable if this could be done without any detailed
discussion of the relevant legislation, which would be likely to
lead back to the contentious fact that under the terms of that
legislation China is considered "a foreign country". This point is
brought out
out in the proposed reply.
E
6. On timing, I am sure the Governor is right to suggest that the
Hong Kong Government will need to make its position clear in
connection with preparations for the forthcoming District Board
elections. It would be unhelpful if continuing uncertainty on this
point inhibited candidates from coming forward. I therefore
that EXCO need to take a decision in the very near future.
agree
3 January 1985
Citum
CO Hum
Hong Kong Department
CONFIDENTIAL
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