TNAG-2710-FCO40-3916-House-of-Commons-Select-Committee-on-Foreign-Affairs-and-Par-1993 — Page 95

HONG KONG

We have been engaged in discussions with China since April

this year about arrangements for the 1994/95 elections in Hong

Kong. So far there have been 7 rounds.

- Our aim is to reach an understanding with China, but not at

any price. It remains an essential point for us that these elections held under British administration should be fair, open

and acceptable to the people of Hong Kong.

- Will recommend to the Hong Kong Legislative Council any

understanding reached with China. It will be for them to pass

the necessary legislation.

-

We want to give talks every chance of success. But there is

not infinite time. We need to have legislation in place in good

time for local elections in 1994 and the Legislative Council

elections in 1995.

We want to see that Hong Kong remains successful and prosperous up to 1997 and beyond. We believe strong democratic institutions are a key part of safeguarding Hong Kong's way of

as promised in the 1984 Sino-British Joint Declaration.

life

-

Rule of law, buttressed by a free-standing legislature,

necessary to maintain business confidence in the longer term.

The Governor's approach has the full support of the Prime

Minister and the British Government.

hk.pnts.PR

SLM