TNAG-1900-FCO40-2699-Future-of-Hong-Kong-briefing-1989 — Page 92

Lee Wells 13

democratically elected, as the electors are in the USA for the election of the President, I may go along with you." And she said to me, "Tell me whether you agree with them in principal first. If you do, I'll scratch my head and think of an answer." Now the same question was put by me every time thereafter, whenever people suggested that we should have election via a arand electoral college. Never, was an

answer given to me, and now you find this buried in the Basic Law it will be provided for by electoral laws to be passed by

the Hong Kong SAR legislature after 1997. In other words

they are saying, well if you ask me, I won't tell you now, but you will find out in 1997 when it is much too late.

-

Now, the reason why I say that China had

objected strongly is a matter of public record. Now, I don't

want to waste time now, but I will before you leave give you all the documentation to it of strong statements from Chinese leaders published here in Hong Kong widely. And there is no

doubt at all in our minds that but for that strong Chinese

objection, the British Government would have liked to have

given us direct election in 1988.

MR BOWEN WELLS: Do you think the British Government promised you increased direct elections in 19887 - and went back on

that promise?

MR MARTIN LEE: Now that is clearly the general perception,