TNAG-2457-FCO40-3578-Future-of-Hong-Kong-constitutional-development-presentation-1992 — Page 30

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2

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4.

Some respondents thought that the documents revealed that there was in fact an agreement between China and the UK on the 1995 election arrangements. In their view, the documentation had implied two points namely that there would be prior consultation on the 1995 election system and that this should converge with the 1997 arrangements. These respondents regarded the Governor's failure to discuss his proposals with the Chinese Government prior to announcement as the main cause of the present dispute.

15.

Respondents were becoming increasingly dismayed by the intensification of the dispute. Some respondents who had been supportive of the Governor's proposals now felt that stability and smooth transition should top the Government's agenda, although they still regarded the proposed constitutional development

moving as

in the right direction. The general feeling was that amicable relations between China and Britain

for ensuring a smooth

and transition

that Co-operation rather than confrontation was the key to ensuring stability and confidence in the territory. In the light of the worsening Sino-British relations, they expressed a preference for the upholding of the stability and prosperity of the territory even if it meant slowing down the pace of democratization.

were crucial

ARREST OF HONG KONG REPORTER IN CHINA

6.

Many respondents expressed their concern over the incident. While some believed that there had been misconduct on the part of the reporter, others thought that the documents were to be published anyway and that the practice of paying for information was common place in western countries. They felt that it was the conflicting notion of press freedom and the difference in the legal system of Hong Kong and the mainland that had caused the arrest. In this connection, many of them urged that local reporters should obey the laws of China while working in the mainland for their own protection. They also urged the paper for whom the reporter worked to assist in obtaining her

release.

7.

Some respondents were concerned at the harsh treatment received by the reporter. They suspected that arising from the current dispute, the incident had become politically sensitive and had been played up by the Chinese side to demonstrate their displeasure over the Hong Kong Government's position on the airport and political reforms.

City and New Territories Administration

30 October 1992

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