4.
(b)
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THIS IS A COPY
THE ORIGINAL HAS BEEN
CLOSED UNDER
FOI EXEMPTION NO....27(1)
In paragraph 9 of the English version of our paper we referred to the "latest draft of the Basic Law"
(sidelined). The Chinese translation however implied that we were referring to the text to be published for consultation. Ke saw no difficulties with the English
version, but suggested an alternative Chinese translation
of this phrase.
On his first point, we have agreed with Hong Kong an alternative wording for the relevant paragraph of the White Paper, corresponding to paragraph 6 of the paper we handed to the Chinese
as follows:
"Opinion on how direct elections might be organised were few and also divided. Those who commented were, on balance, in favour of having several constituencies rather than a territory-wide constituency, and of having direct elections in addition to, rather than instead of, indirect elections by an electoral college".
This would record public views on this issue while making the contrast with the decision less stark. On his second point, the English version of the text is the correct version. Hong Kong agrees that Ke's translation is more accurate than Hong Kong's, and
it will be adopted.
5.
We have asked HMA Peking to explain to Ke how we propose to deal with his two points as described in para 4.
6. The Chinese response is considerably more helpful and realistic than we might have expected: it no doubt reflects Chinese satisfaction with the way the Green Paper exercise has been handled and the outcome of the Debate on 20 January. The way is now clear for publication of the White Paper on 10 February, as planned.
Cobham
agree
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CO Hum
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