SECRET
Liberals. The Governor concludes that it would be better for
this change to be put forward during LegCo discussion.
10. The Governor should also continue to welcome alternative
proposals from LegCo members, and to make clear that he and we will accept LegCo's final decisions. One way of demonstrating this would be for the Governor to put to LegCo a compendium of
alternative proposals put forward by others, separately from his
own draft legislation. Several LegCo members are already working on proposals which might be capable of occupying the middle ground. Such proposals are likely to concentrate on smaller Functional Constituencies (if the one man, one vote principle
were adopted, the size of the franchise would become less
critical); and a composition for the Election Committee closer
to that set out in the Basic Law for the 1999 elections.
11.
If this approach is to succeed in reducing tension and re-engaging a dialogue with the Chinese, it will be essential that the Chinese have an opportunity to comment on some of the alternative proposals before they appear in LegCo. Individual LegCo members are best placed to touch base with the Chinese.
Some intend to. We should continue to emphasise to the Chinese that the tabling of proposals in LegCo in February will not be the time for final decisions, but the start of a process which
will last several months, and in the course of which the proposals may well be re-shaped. To give this message maximum impact, I am prepared to send a message to Foreign Minister Qian before the Governor tables his draft legislation, drawing
attention to any changes in it, explaining the legislative process, and reiterating HMG's wish to embark on serious
discussions with China on these issues. We might also reinforce this message through senior level contact with the Chinese
Ambassador in London.
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.