TNAG-2734-FCO40-3942-Hong-Kong-role-of-the-Legislative-Council-(LEGCO)-1993 — Page 144

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5. The last point is an important one. The fact we are

entering talks does not alter it. My original proposals were framed with these objectives in mind. They remain on the

table. But I made clear in my speech to this Council on 7

October, and subsequently, that we were willing to talk with

the Chinese side about the electoral arrangements for 1995

without preconditions. I have also said throughout that I am

ready to engage in talks on the basis of the Joint Declaration,

and the Basic Law and the 1990 exchange of correspondence between the two Foreign Ministers. I consider my proposals to

be fully compatible with all of these, as I have previously made clear to this Council, for example when I addressed

Honourable Members on 24 February.

6.

The Chinese side have indicated that they are willing to begin discussions. This is very welcome. In the light of

this, I have decided, with the advice of the Executive Council,

that we should postpone gazetting the draft legislation for the

time being in order to allow the talks to get off to the best

possible start. I believe this is a decision which the community will support.

7. We all must hope it will be possible to reach an

understanding in these discussions on electoral arrangements

that are open, fair and acceptable to the people of Hong Kong.

That is our aim. There will, I can assure Honourable Members,

be no hidden agreements. Because at the end of the day, it will be for you in this Council, representing the people of Hong Kong, who will have the constitutional duty to enact legislation on the electoral arrangements for 1994 and 1995.

That fact will be constantly in my mind and in the minds of

members of our delegation.

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