TNAG-2410-FCO40-3504-Hong-Kong-Port-and-Airport-Development-Strategy-(PADS)-Brit-1992 — Page 42

of the Joint Declaration.

It was promulgated in April 1990 by

the Chinese National People's Congress after nearly 5 years' work by the Basic Law Drafting Committee, composed of Hong Kong

and mainland Chinese members.

7. The British Government entered into a dialogue with the Chinese Government during the drafting of the Basic Law to attempt to ensure that it's terms were compatible with the Joint Declaration and that the views and aspirations of the Hong Kong people were taken into account. However no 'secret deals' were made with the Chinese. Recently the Chinese Government has referred to a number of exchanges with them about the 1995 elections. It has therefore been decided to make these exchanges public to demonstrate that no understanding was reached with the Chinese about, in particular, the composition of the Election Committee. This committee will under the terms of the Basic Law elect ten of the members of the Legislative

Council.