TNAG-2448-FCO40-3564-Elections-in-Hong-Kong-Basic-Law-1992 — Page 66

28-OCT-1992 17:40

A.G.'S CHAMBERS

2

+852 877 2130

P.25

confine

myself to saying, as far as 1995 is concerned, that there will be ΠΟ fewer than 20 seats in the legislature. But .you may

sure that the British Government will continue to recognise the advantage of continuity between arrangements before and after 1997.

concern.

There

which you

be

is one other issue referred to in my previous messages which continues to cause me great That is the provision for separate vote counting have in mind. This provision has been badly received in Hong Kong, where it is seen as highly divisive administratively inefficient by most people. I have to say that if such a provision is retained, it would be. extremely difficult to commend, as we would wish, the arrangements in the Basic Law concerning the political

and

structure.

I therefore strongly urge you not to include for separate vote counting in the Basic Law. This is a very important point for opinion in Hong Kong.

arrangements

I agree in

you propose for an

established in 1995.

principle with the arrangements which Electoral Committee, which could be The precise details of how this

should be done can be discussed between our two sides in due course, Meanwhile, I hope that the five principles which you have agreed can be reflected in the Basic Law.

the

for

I

number

continue to feel that the limit you propose on of seats in the Legislative Council of the SAR those permanent Hong Kong residents who are not Chinese nationals, Or who have મ્ર right

abode in foreign countries, could create difficulties for the continuity Of all members of the Legislature between 1995 and 1997 which

of