TNAG-2716-FCO40-3922-House-of-Commons-Select-Committee-on-Foreign-Affairs-enquiry-1993 — Page 21

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H.

SECRET

7

Douglas matters

Hurd has commented that "the days when these can be settled between London and Feking without taking any account of opinion in Hong Kong have obviously gone". This is to give LegCo a veto over our discussions.

These questions are matters for the British and Chinese governments alone. British side must assure us that they will ensure that any agreement reached is implemented by the LegCo. (NCNA Vice Director Zhang Junsheng at a spring Reception, Zhou van Mirror Magazine 13 January.)

Rebuttal

G.1

G.2

G.3

not

(We must work within the political and constitutional realities. Politically, it would been possible for us to have discussed detailed arrangements for the 1995 elections in secret and then to have expected LegCo and public opinion in Hong Kong to endorse the outcome.] Constitutionally, Legco have to enact legislation. We cannot force them to do so.

The Chinese have consistently reiterated the importance of consulting HK people on political development as they have done on the BL. Very clear that on matters of such importance as the 1994/1995 electoral arrangements, HK people must

be consulted.

As the Governor has made clear our bottom line is that arrangements for the 1995 must be open, fair and acceptable to the people of Hong Kong. If we reach understandings, HMG and HKG will recommend them to Legco. Confident Legco will give these full weight.

Legco is an entirely advisory body. proposals to attempting

By submitting the

LegCo the British Hong Kong Government is to revive the "Three-legged stcol" argument. Chinese have consistently said they will not accept this.

British must not submit such issues to Legco. (NCNA Vice-Director Zheng Guoxiong 30 January.)

Rebuttal

H.1

Simply not the advisory body. quite clear.

case that LegCo is merely an The constitutional position is The legislation establishing the will need to be passed by Legco. This is mirrored in paragraph 2 of Annex II to Basic Law. Senseless to reach an agreement which we

1995 elections

the

cannot

then persuade

LegCo

to

implement.