CONFIDENTIAL
-
7.
to what
involves
bringing
This proposal is not very different in substance
your Foreign Ministry put to us on 15 January.
It
a slightly higher starting point in 1991, and forward what you have proposed for 1999 to 1997. But I believe that these small changes would make all the difference in terms of obtaining support in Hong Kong and ensuring that the British ability to administer territory between now and 1997 is not eroded.
8.
the
If you wished to provide for the establishment of
in
Basic the
Law,
and
the
electoral college a grand arrangements for constituting this body were open and fully representative, We would wish to see it initiated in 1995 through consultations between our two sides.
Grand Electoral
be able
by the subsequently
in
that
Those elected
would year
College
to become members of the first
legislature of the SAR if they met the requirements for
membership stipulated
the 1995 legislature
in
the Basic Law. Other members of would, as provided for in the second draft of the Basic Law, also become members of the first SAR legislature. I also consider it important, if the
of provisions political structure command support in Hong Kong, that the pallein of voting
should be the
that one
Hong Kong
is used to.
needed is to ensure overall continuity in the legislature.
Ι very much hope
the
Basic
Law are
to
What is
9.
that we can reach agreement on this important question. It is one of great significance ensuring the political stability of Hong Kong. Doing
for
SO
would enable
developing
us
a
political
to co-operate
structure
fully
with
you
in
which
would
ensure
Agreement between us
convergence and a smooth transition.
on
these points would
Beijing to hold
concern
also open the way for me to visit discussions with you on matters of mutual
and to take forward
Sino-British relations which
the ideas for improving in the Prime were set out
Minister's message to General Secretary Jiang Zemin.
P4689
CONFIDENTIAL.
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