TNAG-2450-FCO40-3567-Future-of-Hong-Kong-constitutional-development-1992 — Page 151

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28.

-13-

Let us be clear why we are consulting the

Chinese Government on all these issues relating to the

1995 elections. The community wants more representative

government.

over

But I think it is equally plain that a

majority wants constitutional reforms to be compatible,

as far as possible, with the Basic Law and, accordingly,

to transcend 1997. I think we must respect these views.

At the same time, we have to take account of the opinions

of both the present and the future sovereign powers.

this reason, the proposals I am putting forward this

afternoon will require serious discussion with both

London and Peking.

For

29.

It would be very easy diplomatically and,

perhaps, politically, to draw a line here and to declare

that, in due course, this Council will be informed of the

outcome of the negotiations. I have not been tempted for

one moment to draw such a line.

You deserve better, and

I believe my first duty is one of frankness to this

Council and to the community.

30.

What I will therefore set out for you today is

the broad shape of the understanding which I hope we can

achieve both within the community and with the Chinese

and British Governments.

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