TNAG-2448-FCO40-3564-Elections-in-Hong-Kong-Basic-Law-1992 — Page 45

28-OCT-1992 17:28

A.G.'S CHAMBERS

2

+852 877 2130

P.04

4.

we

were

to

decide,

If we

despite the clearly expressed desire of large sections of the community, that were to introduce a lower number in 1991, I believe this could only

only be done if there were a sufficient number of directly elected seats for 1997 and development thereafter which was sufficient to command general support in Hong Kong. We might thus be able to offset disappointment at the failure to introduce 20 seats in 1991.

5.

I believe that your

proposal for 50 per cent directly elected seats in 2003 could be accepted by opinion in Hong Kong for the elections in that year if it were part of a steady progression starting earlier. But I fear that your suggestion for 20 seats in 1997 would not be sufficient to command

WELE

Law would

το

Support.

Tf. howAYA Y

increase the figure for 1997 to 24 seats (40 per cent) I believe that there is a good chance that the provisions for political development in the Basic receive support within Hong Kong. We would then to give active support to those provisions. In would make every effort to encourage people views, including those in the business community, to play an active part in the political life of

be enabled

particular, we

Of

moderate

the Territory.

6.

In these circumstances, the British government would be prepared to limit the number of directly elected seats introduced in 1991 to 18 and to bring in 24 directly elected members in 1995. There would certainly

disappointment in

reaction in Hong

be

Parliament and a strong and hostile Kong, but the achievement of gradual and

steady progress on the lines I have outlined would enable

me to defend such a decision vigorously.

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