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China has influenced outcome of Review?
Decisions were taken by us. All options in Review (including direct elections in 1988) were genuine ones.
Key factors in decisions: views of people of Hong Kong and interests of Hong Kong and all its people.
In commenting on Green Paper, many people referred to importance of ensuring that development of government before 1997 was
compatible with Basic Law.
Right to take account of realities of history and geography special circumstances of Hong Kong and implications of Joint Declaration. That is well understood in Hong Kong.
Chinese were consulted?
Repeat that decisions were ours.
But naturally there are frequent exchanges with Chinese Government on matters of mutual interest concerning Hong Kong. is beneficial and helpful.
This
Natural that Chinese Government should be kept informed about Hong Kong peoples thinking on issues dealt with in Green Paper.
Chinese given advance copies of White Paper?
As
a few
a matter of courtesy, advance copies were handed over
Same done with 1987 Green days before publication in Hong Kong.
Paper and 1984 White Paper.
Appearance of concessions to Chinese on this issue will undermine
confidence?
Quite wrong to see decisions in White Paper in this light. Changes which command widest consensus of support in Hong Kong and which offer best prospect of continuity after 1997 can only help to strengthen confidence.
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.