TNAG-2168-FCO40-3105-House-of-Commons-Foreign-Affairs-Committee-inquiry-into-Hong-1990 — Page 47

SELECTION OF THE FIRST CHIEF EXECUTIVE

Article 45 of the Basic Law states that the ultimate aim

is the selection of the Chief Executive by universal

suffrage. This is welcome. In the interim the decision of

the National People's Congress of 4 April prescribes the

formation of the first Hong Kong SAR Government, including

the selection of the Chief Executive.

It is essential to confidence in Hong Kong that the head

of the first Hong Kong SAR Government should be

representative of the community. We have made clear to the

Chinese the importance we attach to this. In due course we shall pursue with them exactly what procedures will be applied. It would be appropriate to raise this in the Joint Liaison Group. But we cannot say at this stage when would

be the best time to do so.

RIDAFO/1