TNAG-2012-FCO40-2864-Constitutional-development-in-Hong-Kong-1991-1990 — Page 39

SECRET

HONG KONG: CONSTITUTIONAL DEVELOPMENT

INTRODUCTION

This

We have now agreed with the Chinese the pace for the introduction of democratically elected members to the legislative council. provides for 18 to be elected in 1991 and for 20 to be elected in 1995 although we have endeavoured to leave the number open at the present in the effort to persuade the Chinese to increase the curve before 1997. The Basic Law however will provide for in 1997, 24

in 1999 and 30 in 2003.

One of the main reasons for seeking to have a substantial number of directly elected members in the legislature before 1997 is to have in place in Hong Kong institutions and systems which the Chinese

The thinking behind this is will find very difficult to dismantle. that a government which is seen to be firmly automonous from the PRC is more likely to command confidence from Hong Kong people and to provide for the continued stability and prosperity of Hong Kong.

The view can be taken that the introduction of 18 seats in 1991 and 20 seats in 1995 does not go far enough towards ensuring automony for the process of government after 1997. It is therefore appropriate to examine what other options are open to us in the run p

IT which is necessary to 1997 to create a more automonous government.

to examine both the benefits and draw backs of attempting to introduce changes to the current system.

main areas which are worthy of pursuit:

There appear to be three

a) the introduction Broto-Chief Executive;

b)

the introduction of some form of ministerial system; c) the devolution of power to other organs which are democratically elected.

Proto-Chief Executive

The idea behind this proposal is to bring forward, with necessary adaptions, the provisions in the Basic Law relating to the Chief

SIPAIB

SECRET