TNAG-2733-FCO40-3939-Future-of-Hong-Kong-constitutional-development-1993 — Page 164

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(iii) Does LegCo's approval of the Boundaries and Election Commission Bill (BEC) preempt the talks with the Chinese?

This Bill is a technical measure. It is widely supported in Hong Kong. Since the BEC will have responsibility for drawing up electoral boundaries and compiling electoral registers, it needs to be established at an early stage. The Bill does not preempt discussion of any substantive issue in the talks.

(iv) Can LegCo amend any agreement you reach with the Chinese?

It is inconceivable that we would reach an agreement with the Chinese side which we did not think was acceptable to LegCo. But it is a constitutional reality that LegCo must pass the Legislation which will be necessary to give effect to the electoral arrangements. LegCo will have a full opportunity to debate that draft legislation.

BACKGROUND (Confidential: For Your Own Information)

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