TNAG-2450-FCO40-3567-Future-of-Hong-Kong-constitutional-development-1992 — Page 67

FORE.

Legislative Council

be chosen by direct

election. The Chinese position is that such

a move would be incompatible with the Basic

Law and that the Basic Law cannot be changed

before 1997.

136.

The case for more directly elected

seats in 1995 will continue to be made with

vigour. But this

this is not the only way of

building up democracy in Hong Kong. I am

keen that we should explore in parallel how

to develop our representative institutions

the maximum extent within the terms of

the Joint Declaration and the Basic Law.

The Foreign Secretary told his opposite

number, at the New York meeting to which I

referred earlier, what I have in mind.

to

137.

I want to emphasise

that we have

embarked upon these consultations, begun by

the Foreign Secretary, in good faith and in

the hope

hope that the Chinese Government will

understand the benefits which a more

representative system will bring to Hong

Kong. This process will only succeed if

Hong Kong's politicians display good sense

and

restraint

and

substantial

contribution

demonstrate

the

which

greater

development of

democracy can make to the

SECRET