[Recent Chinese statements on direct elections in 1988?]
Understand Chinese officials have spoken of need
for consensus to be reached on questions of political
reform before conclusions are drawn. Accords with our
own view.
[Chinese statements ruling out direct elections before
1991?]
To best of our knowledge no such statements have
been made.
[Will Chinese overturn political reforms that do not
converge with Basic Law?]
Believe it is generally understood that there needs
to be compatibility between any changes in Hong Kong's
political structure before 1997 and the arrangements to
be laid down in the Basic Law. No reason to believe
this compatibility cannot be achieved.
[Review/Basic Law. Convergence?]
Confident that British and Chinese Governments will
take full account of each other's concerns, as well as
of views of Hong Kong people.
Will proceed cautiously in considering what
changes, if any, should be made.
[Effect of recent developments in China]
No reason why recent developments in China should
affect conduct of review.
[Contacts with Chinese Government over Review?]
Review is a matter for British and Hong Kong
Governments. But naturally we are in contact with the
Chinese Government, through a wide range of channels,
over issues which bear on smooth transition in 1997.
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.