TNAG-1850-FCO40-2625-House-of-Commons-Select-Committee-on-Foreign-Affairs-enquiry-1989 — Page 15

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BASIC LAW PROVIDES FOR 30% DIRECT ELECTIONS BY 1997. IS THAT THE

REALISTIC MAXIMUM THAT CAN BE ACHIEVED?

Too soon to say what that maximum might be. As I have already said, opinion in Hong Kong has changed in light of what has been happening in China.

[Don't know to what extent opinion in China has changed.]

Will do everything we can to ensure that Basic Law reflects views

of people of Hong Kong.

IF HONG KONG PEOPLE WANT MORE RAPID DEMOCRATISATION THAN CHINESE

HAVE HITHERTO BEEN PREPARED TO ACCEPT, WOULD YOU PRESS FOR MORE?

Important thing is that system laid down in Basic Law should command confidence in Hong Kong. This applies to future political

structure as to other areas. If there is something in the draft

Basic Law which does not command confidence, we shall try to ensure that it

changer

WILL YOU HOLD A REFERENDUM ON DEMOCRACY?

Referendum can only work if there is a simple question to be

asked. But issues to be decided in this area are complex ones.

just a question of whether to have 100% direct elections immediately. There is also question of pace and number of seats.

for escole,

Not

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