TNAG-2448-FCO40-3564-Elections-in-Hong-Kong-Basic-Law-1992 — Page 86

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Mr. Hurd agreed in principle with the arrangements proposed by the Chinese side which could be

established in 1995; but stated that details of how

this should be done would need to be discussed

between two sides. Also expressed hope that the five principles agreed between the two sides could be

reflected in the Basic Law.

Statement to Parliament by Mr. Hurd in February 1990

makes clear that no decision had been taken on

whether to introduce the electoral arrangements in

the Basic Law: the British side were waiting to see

its final terms.

In the event, the five principles were not fully

reflected in the final version of the Basic Law.

Moreover, the final version makes clear that the

Election Committee of the first SAR legislature would explicitly not be the Election Committee for 1999

whose composition was set out in Annex I of the Basic

Law.

The Basic Law gives no indication of what its composition should be.

A number of events since the publication of the Basic

Law confirm that the Chinese side still undecided as

to their views on the composition of the Election Committee for the first SAR legislature. Visits by

Legislative Councillors to Peking have included

discussions on this issue with Chinese officials.

CONFIDENTIAL

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