TNAG-2048-FCO40-2918-Visits-by-members-of-the-Office-of-the-Members-of-the-Execut-1990 — Page 24

CONFIDENTIAL

LORD CAITHNESS MEETING WITH MR MARTIN LEE: 3 SEPTEMBER 1990

Points to Make

A:

Constitutional development in Hong Kong

LegCo elections in 1991 will mark a substantial step forward in development of democracy in Hong Kong. Have come a long way since signing of Joint Declaration in 1984.

How are various political groups in Hong Kong shaping up for 1991 elections?

-

Important to make a success of these elections, so that we can demonstrate to Chinese that they have nothing to fear

from faster pace of democratisation than envisaged in Basic

Law.

As you know, have left arrangements for 1995 elections open. Have said there will be at least 20 directly elected

Will seek improvements in Basic Law that would

seats.

enable us to go higher than this.

B:

Prosecution of Liberal activists (defensive)

-

A matter for the judicial authorities in Hong Kong.

But understand that individuals concerned knowingly broke

law concerning use of loud-speakers and public collection of money. No groups can be above the law.

No question of the prosecutions being politically motivated. Authorities must act to uphold the law.

MOPACV/1

CONFIDENTIAL