30-SEP-1993 09:51 28/૫%, *
FCO PRIVATE OFFICE
071 270 2144
P.04
Martin C.M. Lee, Q.C.
First, the. British' Government must not trade the so-called through train for the last free, and fair elections to be held under British sovereignty. The people of Hong Kong have had enough of secret deals that compromise
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our future while preserving face for the British Government and its diplomats. The deal with the Chinese Goverment in early 1990 to limit democracy in Hong Kong was predicated on the through train, and yet it seems that the British Government has failed to learn from its past mistakes.
Our views on the through train issue are well known, but since Ambassador and Chief Negotiator Mr. Robin McLaren has stated that the through train is the set-piece of the British negotiating strategy, our position is worth reiterating: once it is clear that there is to be no democratic through train, an undemocratic through train is of very little use to Hong Kong. The through train is not so important to Hong Kong' that Britain must sacrifice our future to secure it.
Second, let me state categorically that Governor Patten's refòrm' proposals are the bottom line for my party and for the majority of other democratically elected representatives. Over the past year, we have supported Governor Patten's original reforms
but only as the barest ' minimum
the barest minimum of acceptable democratic reform.
If there is an agreement with China that attempts to minimise the number of Legco members who are elected through genuine and open elections. (both direct and otherwise), the United Democrats will fight to amend the bill to make it more democratic. Failing that, we will fight and vote against it.
Should the British Government decide' 1) to strike an agreement vith China that frustrates the legitimate democratic aspirations of the people of Hong Kong, or 2) to introduce a gutted and worthless version of Pattan's reform bill to the Legislative Council, my party némbers and I will take whatever necessary steps to condemn such a sall-out locally and abroad.
Finally, as the elected representatives of the Hong Kong people, we remind the British Government that it must uphold the Joint Declaration and ensure. that it is implemented to the full. If Britain allows the guarantees in the Joint Declaration to be trampled on, then irreparable damage is done to the foundation upon which the future of Hong Kong is built.
It is time the people of Hong Kong were given a chance to decide the key issue of democratic reform for ourselves. We are prepared to fight for democratic and accountable government. because without it, Hong Kong will never be able to maintain the rule of law or preserve our rights and freedoms -- which are already, as you know; under siege.
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