TNAG-2717-FCO40-3923-House-of-Commons-Select-Committee-on-Foreign-Affairs-enquiry-1993 — Page 87

CONFIDENTIAL

5

When a group of independent lawyers were asked bythe Foreign Affairs Select Committee whether the

Governor's proposals breached the Joint Declaration or Basic Law, they confirmed that in their judgement

there had been no such breach.

Present policy will result in China dismantling LegCo in 1997 and installing a subservient legislature?

It is our duty to administer Hong Kong to the best of our ability until 30 June 1997. That includes holding elections which are open, fair and acceptable to the people of Hong Kong.

A good deal of water will flow under the bridge between

now and 1997.

I

The Chinese government has a strong interest in the smooth transfer of power in 1997. If the arrangements in place are then working well and are consistent with the Joint Declaration and the Basic Law (which our

proposals are) - cannot see why they should be changed.

Refer to Secretary of State's comments in interviews on 6 December (attached) on this issue.

CONFIDENTIAL