TNAG-2329-FCO40-3373-Hong-Kong-contacts-with-academics-and-writers-1991 — Page 219

12. Mr Roberti asked whether our failure to introduce more

directly elected seats in 1991 in the face of Chinese

opposition would not encourage the Chinese to take a tough

stance in future. You pointed out that elections did not

happen on paper; they needed people to participate. You

asked what sort of elections would have taken place in 1991

and 1995 against a background of intense Chinese opposition.

Colonial Laws Validity Act

consequences flowing from

13.

Mr Roberti asked whether the Change necessary in this Act if LegCo was more than 50% elected had been discussed

with the Chinese. You said that it had never been part of

negotiations though it had been raised in the press.

PADS

14.

Did China's interest arise from a real concern about

financing or were they trying to stake for themselves a role

in decisions with consequences after 1997. You said that financial concerns were genuine. In post 1997 matters, the

Chinese consider that only they could represent the

interests of the future SARG. But they did not want the

present HKG to become a lame duck and had explicitly told

the Governor so during his recent visit.

MUKAMB/5

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P A Major