TNAG-1748-FCO40-2467-Visit-by-Sir-Geoffrey-Howe--Secretary-of-State-for-Foreign-a-1988 — Page 66

ROBAJL

SECRET

VISIT OF THE SECRETARY OF STATE TO HONG KONG: 29-31 MAY 1988

BRIEF NO 8: REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT

(a)

WHITE PAPER

(b) FIRST SAR GOVERNMENT

(c)

COMPOSITION OF SAR LEGISLATURE

Objectives

(a)

White Paper

GA

to note that the review of representative government is behind us and the outcome was generally well received

in Hong Kong.

(b) First SAR Government to seek views on the way ahead, particularly on the proposed Preparatory Committee.

(c)

-

Composition of SAR Legislature to seek views on the way

ahead, particularly on the Grand Electoral College concept.

Points to make

(a)

WHITE PAPER

[For general use]

Pleased outcome of review generally well received in

Hong Kong.

Now need to look ahead. Main immediate task is Basic Law.

(b)

FIRST SAR GOVERNMENT

[For use with the Governor, ExCo]

Useful exchanges in recent months (McLaren/Ke Zaishuo, Governor/Lu Ping, Secretary of State/Wu, Chief Secretary/Ke).

Clear that Chinese view Preparatory Committee as necessary

element in expression of change of sovereignty. Believe we have to live with this. Should think imaginatively about ways to

SECRET