TNAG-2766-FCO40-3983-Hong-Kong-and-the-media-interviews--press-briefings-and-the--1993 — Page 105

The Governor's constitutional reforms set out in his policy

address to LegCo were designed to help secure Hong Kong's way

of life on the basis of the Joint Declaration. Some changes

have already been implemented and are working well. I know

that the Governor's proposals on the next round of elections

in Hong Kong have sparked off a lively debate in Hong Kong. That is a good thing. There are some important issues at

stake for Hong Kong's future. The Prime Minister and I

strongly supported the proposals put forward by the Governor. They represent his best judgement of how to meet the wish for a broadening of democracy in a way which was consistent with the Joint Declaration, and the Basic Law.

Since the Governor set out his proposals, there has been

criticism from some who think he went too far, and from others

who think he did not go far enough. That is normal in an open

society. Alternative suggestions are now emerging and being debated by the community, and by political groups. I hope that those who have specific thoughts to offer will put them

forward. They can then be considered alongside all the other suggestions.

The Governor will be putting forward his legislative proposals

after Chinese New Year. But it is right that LegCo should

have the responsibility to weigh up views in the community and

decide where the balance lies. We will respect their judgement.

I know that there has been much unease in Hong Kong that the

British and Chinese Governments have not yet been able to hold

further talks on these issues as agreed during the Governor's

visit to Peking in October. We would like to do so. As the

Governor has said, we have no preconditions for talks.

the Governor are ready for discussions at any time.

We and

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