GOVERNOR'S SPEECH: ADDITIONAL POINTS
Chinese not consulted; should have been; China not given face.
- I gave advance briefing to Chinese Foreign Minister in New York on 25 September. Governor also sent a message to Lu Ping
(Senior Official responsible for Hong Kong to the State
Council), going over the same ground.
We have made it clear we will discuss proposals for 1995 LegCo
elections with the Chinese side.
- We both agree that in the interests of Hong Kong that there
should be a frank dialogue between us.
Hostile Chinese reaction?
-
Chinese have expressed concern to us over some of Governor's
proposals.
Have you given up pressing for more directly elected seats?
No. Governor makes clear in speech we will continue to press vigorously for that. But obviously would need a change in
present Chinese position on changing Basic Law. So exploring other avenues in parallel.
Why not go for broke and have a fully directly-elected LegCo?
Not yet sure how far we can manage to
-
This is early days.
reach agreement with the Chinese.
- Our aim remains to develop a level of democracy in Hong Kong
which will be sustainable beyond 1997.
-
People of Hong Kong want continuity.
stage would mean abandoning that aim.
Proposals not consistent with Basic Law?
Unilaterlism at this
Apart from the question of more directly elected seats (where we are asking the Chinese to change the Basic Law) the Governor's proposals are consistent with the provisions of the
Basic Law.
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