TNAG-1900-FCO40-2699-Future-of-Hong-Kong-briefing-1989 — Page 89

Lee/Kells 10

way of going about it.

And that is why we have suggested we

should have a referendum, and if you are absolutely satisfied

that it cannot be done, then at least it should be by a carefully monitored public opinion survey - hopefully

monitored by the United Nations or some organization

because the people of Hong Kong have seen what has gone wrong

over some political reviews.

So my main point, however, is that if

-

promises of democracy were given to the Hong Kong people

and there is no doubt that they were given that democracy

would be had before 1997 by the British Government - and I

could prove by reading statements made to you by Mr. Richard

Luce and so on. The question to ask yourselves with respect

is, why should that be changed, just because there is now a

strong voice of objection from a selected few? If it was

good for Hong Kong in 1984 when you ratified the Joint

Declaration, you should hold the same view, because it was

based on that that the Hong Kong people accepted it, and

based on that that the British Parliament accepted it.

CHAIRMAN:

Mr. Bowen Wells

MR BOWEN WELLS: Yes, thank you.

Directly on that point, Mr.

Lee, I wonder whether I can ask you about the evidence that

you

have to make the statement that you believe

statement that you have made to us

-

in the

-

that China has

interfered with the process of producing democracy in Hong

6.4.8