TNAG-1368-FCO40-1814-Constitutional-reforms-in-Hong-Kong-1986 — Page 35

Date

Statements by Chinese

Officials

28.10.85

29.10.85

30.10.85

Constitutional Reforms (14)

Statements by Government News Comments/Editorials

Officials

HK and Macau Affairs

Office director Ji Pengfei (meeting with SDA Donald Liao): China does

not want to see too drastic changes during the transition for fear that these may affect HK's stability and prosperity. "Don't change if you can." The

development of represen- tative government there should be in line with

the Basic Law.

Donald Liao, SDA: Mr Ji Pengfei, when referring to political reforms, told him "Don't change if you can".

Financial Daily columnist Chu Sze-ching: Mr Ji Pengfei must be aiming at something when he warned against drastic changes.

Communist Paper

Chow Lu-yat of the Centre Daily News: Ji Pengfei's remark indicated to the

HK Government that the pace of introducing direct elections should be slowed down and that the future political structure should fall in

line with the Basic Law. The democratic principle of direct elections should not be ruled out during discussions on the draft Basic Law.

Statements/Comments

by others