TNAG-2456-FCO40-3577-Future-of-Hong-Kong-constitutional-development-presentation-1992 — Page 96

FCO40 Hong Kong Department Records 聯邦事務部香港部檔案 All

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II.

Matters on which roposals have been announced.

Package as a Whole

Criticism

Answer

Unacceptable. Contrary to the principle in Article 68

of the BL that changes should be "gradual and orderly". Blindly copying Western Parliamentary

democracy.

Would be proposing 100% direct elections if copying Western Parliamentary democracy. Not doing that.

Have made a proposal for more directly elected seats.

Will continue to make the case for this but recognise sensitivity for China.

All other proposals consistent with BL and with JD requirement that legislature be constituted entirely

by elections by 1997.

Consultation

Criticism

Answer

No consultation with China before package announced.

These are proposals for discussion with China. In airport discussions, Chinese have constantly urged us to publicise our proposals and listen to views of people of Hong Kong. We have done so. Inconsistent to expect Governor to do otherwise on constitutional

issues.

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