TNAG-2990-FCO40-3574-Future-of-Hong-Kong-constitutional-development-talks-betwee-1992 — Page 110

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9.

Finally,

I

have seen reports that the Basic Law provision to restrict the number of

will contain a new

foreign nationals who can be members of the legislature to

15 percent of the total. This has caused concern in Hong

Kong.

It would put a serious obstacle in the way of

continuity. It would also be very difficult to implement.

10.

It is quite clear that the acceptability to sensible opinion in Hong Kong of a legislature with a limit if increasing proportion of directly elected seats will be crucially affected by the voting and other arrangements to which I have referred. I therefore hope that you will give

serious attention to these points.

11.

Let me assure you once more that it is the British Government's wish to be everything possible to ensure a smooth transition in 1997, in accordance with the Joint

Declaration. We want to be able to support the Basic Law publicly when it is promulgated, and to persuade Hong Kong people to support and have confidence in it. But I have to say that if changes to the provisions of the political system are not made, I would expect resignations from the

Executive and Legislative Councils. These are the very people on whom we depend to maintain efficient government in Hong Kong. There might also be a lack of cooperation from the Legislative Council in passing the necessary

legislation for the 1991 elections. In such circumstances, the ability of the British Government to maintain the stability and prosperity of Hong Kong in the remaining

years

impaired.

of British

be seriously

could administration

CONFIDENTIAL