TNAG-2990-FCO40-3574-Future-of-Hong-Kong-constitutional-development-talks-betwee-1992 — Page 105

HUNG. KUMU.

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2

་

4.

were

If we

to decide, despite the clearly

expressed desire of large sections of the community, that

we were to introduce a lower number in 1991, I believe this

could only be done if there were a sufficient number of

directly elected seats for 1997 and development thereafter which was sufficient to command general support in Hong Kong. We might thus be able to offset disappointment at

the failure to introduce 29 seats in 1991.

5.

sufficient

side were

to command

support.

prepared to

I believe that your proposal for 50 per cent

directly elected seats in 2003 could be accepted by opinion in Hong Kong for the elections in that year if it were part

of a

steady progression starting earlier. But I fear that

your suggestion for 28 seats in 1997 would not be

If, however, the Chinese

increase the figure for 1997 to 24

seats (40 per cent) I believe that there is a good chance that the provisions for political development in the Basic

Law would receive support within Hong Kong. We would then be enabled to give active support to those provisions. In particular, we would make every effort to encourage people

of moderate views, including those in the business community, to play an active part in the political life of

the territory.

6.

In these circumstances, the British government

would be prepared to limit the number of directly elected seats introduced in 1991 to 18 and to bring in 24 directly

elected members in 1995. There would certainly be

disappointment in

reaction in Hong

Parliament and a strong and hostile Kong, but the achievement of gradual and

steady progress on the lines I have outlined would enable me to defend such a decision vigorously.

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