November 3, 1993
e Right Honorable Christopher Patten, Governor Government House, Upper Albert Road, Hong Kong Foreign Minister Dougles Hurd, United Kingdom
Dear Mr. Patten & Mr. Hurd,
The history of Hong Kong as a British Crown colony will end soon. Hong Kong's colonial history shows that many mistakes have been made in the process of democratization. As a result, Hong Kong people have been deprived of the right to democracy for a very long time. In 1984, the Sino-British Joint Declaration stipulated that the Legislature should be constituted by election. In 1985, however, the British government distorted the meaning of election, and instituted functional constituencies. In 1988, the British government rejected Hong Kong people's strong demand for direct elections.
In 1989, after the June Fourth Massacre, consensus proposal of the two councils was neglected. Democratization in Hong Kong has not progressed. Recently, the British government has stepped back twice from the "Patten proposals.
This has once again narrowed the democratic participation of Hong Kong people. We have missed many opportunities for promoting democracy due to the above mistakes. It.is a record of shame.
The process of the democratization of Hong Kong is now at another critical moment. Governor Patten will soon return to London to report on the Sino-British talks. It is believed that the British government will map out their strategy for negotiation. It is another opportunity to test if the British government will continue to betray our democratic aspirations.
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We firmly believe that democracy is the foundation of Hong Kong's freedom and rule of law. We also believe that the success of "one country, two systems" is only possible with democratic rule in Hong Kong. We deeply believe that only democracy can ensure a "high degree of autonomy" and "Hong Kong people ruling Hong Kong. We believe that freedom, the rule of law, "Hong Kong people ruling Hong Kong," and "one country, two systems" is the only basis for future stability and prosperity in Hong Kong. For the benefit of Hong Kong people, we think that the British Government should not make any concessions regarding democracy. Britain should push for democracy in Hong Kong. Therefore, we demand:
1. That the British-Hong Kong government should submit the political reform proposals to the LegCo for debate, and LegCo members should amend the proposal according to Hong Kong people's will, that is, to enlarge democratic participation in Hong Kong..
2. That the final decision of the 1994-95 political arrangement should be decided by referendum.
Enclosed please find the Joint Statement and the names of the groups involved (in Chinese) in our march on 3rd November, 1993.
Contact person: Lee Cheuk Yan
Hong Kong Confederation of Trade Unions
2/F Portland Bldg, 101-107 Portland Street, Kowloon, Hong Kong.
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