TNAG-1437-FCO40-1921-Constitutional-development-in-Hong-Kong-1986 — Page 54

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There is every likelihood that no single political

group, or coalition of groups, will be able to control the

majority of seats (and for any length of time if at all) on

the Legislative Council. Therefore, to ensure cohesion and

stability, the Chief Executive, who is the Governor, should

retain the power to propose the nomination of and withdrawal

of the name of any member (except ex-officio members in the

run-up to 1997) from the Executive Council.

A system of checks and balances would be operating

whereby such appointments by the Chief Executive would be

subject after 1997 to the approval of the Central People's

Government.

A well-integrated Executive Council such as I have

just described would make for good long-term planning and

decisive implementation of policies. Such in turn would

ensure:

Firstly, the smooth transfer of sovereignty of a

stable and prosperous Hong Kong to China in 1997;

Secondly, all changes during the transition period

would not merely be for the sake of change, but for the

purpose of preserving local confidence, strengthening

the Hong Kong systems and life style, and

Thirdly, promoting greater participation by Hong

Kong people in China's modernization programme and Open

Door Policy.

/China