TNAG-2719-FCO40-3925-Hong-Kong-electoral-provisions-and-arrangements-1993 — Page 120

determine who could remain in office beyond 1997.

You suggest that the Chinese are right to be concerned that if

fair and open elections are held, one particular party would

gain a majority of seats. The essence of a democratic

election is that those who gain the most votes get the most

seats. Are you suggesting that some other system should

apply in Hong Kong? Surely it is right that those who attract the largest number of votes from Hong Kong people in the LegCo elections should sit in LegCo?

The Governor's proposals have nothing to do with the

development of the political system in China. That is a

matter

for the government and people of China. The gradual

development of Hong Kong's system of Government before and after 1997 falls squarely within the concept of one country two systems, and poses no threat of any kind to China.

We are not prepared to step back, as you put it, from the

proposition that the people of Hong Kong deserve the right to a genuine choice in fair and open elections. There is no reason

why that should pose any problem for the stability and prosperity of Hong Kong. We shall try hard in the remaining time to reach agreement with China. It will then be up to

LegCo to weigh up all the circumstances and decide.

Alastair Goodlad

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