TNAG-1441-FCO40-1925-Constitutional-development-in-Hong-Kong-1987 — Page 181

CJ 1AMH

CONFIDENTIAL

1997

Leges must teselected by

MR RENTON'S DISCUSSION WITH ZHOU NAN: 11 JUN

POINTS TO MAKE

Mentor change

1.

Will be some elections to LegCo in 1988.

eluted process

ajami plynamism

This is part

of normal pattern and follows partial, indirect elections

in 1985.

2.

Committed to 1987 review.

Must be Green Paper in May

setting out issues for consideration and White Paper

towards end of year.

White Paper cannot simply suspend

judgment on views expressed by Hong Kong people in

response to Green Paper. Must draw conclusions and record

decisions taken by Hong Kong Government.

3.

British side must come to their own view on basis of

their Own review.

We must account to Parliament for

exercise of our responsibility to Hong Kong. However

should be no incompatibility between outcome of 1987 review

and of soundings taken by BLDC. Discussions with Chinese

are designed to ensure this.

4.

1988 elections must take into account decisions

recorded in White Paper. If we appeared to duck issues, to

dodge conclusions or to fail to reflect these in 1988

elections,

Chinese Government would be

HMG and HKG would be accused

criticised

very damaging.

for

for interfering:

of bowing to outside pressure. Very bad for confidence.

5.

We agree on dialogue through variety of channels.

Glad you are attracted by idea of making use of Governor's

visit. Suggest this is best opportunity for further

exploration of these issues. Complex, best discussed

informally and in detail between those with most direct

experience.

CONFIDENTIAL