TNAG-2448-FCO40-3564-Elections-in-Hong-Kong-Basic-Law-1992 — Page 59

28-OCT-1992 17:36

A.G.'S CHAMBERS

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+852 877 2130

P.18

4.

The British Government would like to make a number

of comments on this proposal:-

(A)

(B)

(C)

(D)

5.

Separate vote counting would slow up the passage of legislation and hamper the efficient conduct of

business;

Under the proposed provision, a Government bill that fails to secure a majority of both categories of members could, after amendment, be re-submitted for approval by a simple majority. It is doubtful whether anything would be achieved by the initial separate vote 'counting;

that

If the final version of the Basic Law adopts this provision, there will be criticism in Hong Kong the drafters have disregarded local opinions. This would have an adverse affect on public attitudes to the Basic Law as a whole;

The British Government would not be able to introduce in 1995 voting procedures to which there were such strong local objections.

The British Government suggest that the Chinese Government should retain the second paragraph of Article 74 of the draft Basic Law published by the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress on 21 February 1989.

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