TNAG-1894-FCO40-2688-Visit-by-Francis-Maude--Minister-of-State-for-Foreign-and-Co-1989 — Page 62

TOCAAO (11)

CONFIDENTIAL

guiding principles as we consider the way forward.

33. Full democracy should be introduced before 1997

No clear evidence that Hong Kong people want this. Note that

latest OMELCO proposals of 27 July called for no less than 50%

directly elected legislation by 1997 but not 100%.

Hong Kong people will look not simply at building something up

before 1997 but also at making sure that what is built goes on after

1997.

34. Ten directly elected seats in 1991 too few

-

Clear that changes currently proposed for 1991 will need to be

re-examined.

35. 1991 elections should be brought forward

Opinions have been changing recently and they may change again.

Better to allow time for opinion to settle down rather than

introducing yet more uncertainty by changing whole pattern of

elections.

36. Would you be prepared to back OMELCO proposal for no less than

50% directly elected seats by 1997?

-

OMELCO consensus reached on 27 July, though not unanimous, was a very significant step forward.

We will certainly pay close attention to OMELCO's proposals and

to other expression of opinion within Hong Kong. But would be wrong to commit ourselves to any firm conclusion until clear that a real

consensus has emerged.

- Provisions of Basic Law on future political structure will

obviously need to be looked at very carefully.

CONFIDENTIAL