IF
But the main outstanding issues are: the Functional Constituencies, where we offered in the talks to scale down the Governor's original proposals while still retaining a broad franchise; the Election Committee, where we are
prepared to take account of the Chinese concerns about the format provided that all the members of this Committee are themselves elected; and the Through Train, where we want it agreed that legislators will not in 1997 be subjected to any test of past political behaviour.
THE CHINESE SIDE PROPOSED MORE TALKS BEFORE LEGISLATION INTRODUCED WOULD YOU AGREE?
We would study any Chinese communication, as we always do.
We have made plain the steps we will be taking over the next week. We have also proposed a further Round of talks on 17-18 December. But if the Chinese side wanted to meet earlier to talk about the remaining issues we would be at the table.
MICHAEL SZE'S ALLEGED STATEMENT (ON 15 DECEMBER) THAT NO MORE LEGISLATION WOULD BE INTRODUCED UNTIL IT WAS CERTAIN THAT FURTHER DIALOGUE WITH CHINA WAS IMPOSSIBLE.
What the Secretary for Constitutional Affairs said was that HKG are nor committing themselves to a particular timetable to table the remaining elements of the Governor's proposals. The Governor will wish to consult the political parties concerned and to listen to views as to whether the package that he unveiled in 1992, the remaining part of it, should be introduced as it is or whether it should be modified in the light of our discussions with the Chinese side.
"A SENIOR BRITISH OFFICIAL" ALLEGES THE 1990 EXCHANGE OF LETTERS "WERE NOT CONSIDERED WHEN DRAFTING THE PROPOSALS.........AN OVERSIGHT ON OUR PART. WE SHOULD HAVE BEEN MORE CAUTIOUS.
(F.T.17/12/93)
Those responsible for drafting the 1992 Proposals were aware of the 1990 exchanges.
In any case, recent testimony to the FAC by a panel of independent lawyers showed that the 1992 Proposals were consistent with the Joint Declaration and the Basic Law and that the 1990 exchanges were concluded without/agreement. So there is no question of any breach of earlier agreements or understandings (as alleged by the Chinese side).
A reaching amy ん
agreement on
the 1995
electoral arrangements.
supp.3.12.88.JRB
6
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.