2.
Peking
I
2
The Talks: Composition, timing etc
'There is a lot to be done in detail in the talks'.
'We will proceed with those talks as fast as the situation possibly allows, but I assure you that we have thought in great deal about what has to be sorted out and they are complex. They will take time. I hope not too long because I am very well aware of the position in Hong Kong and that they want to know exactly what will happen in 1997'.
'If we need to add to the normal diplomatic channels or vary them we shall do so, but we will start discussions on the modalities of the talks through diplomatic channels'.
'Until we have started and sorted out the modalities and several issues we shall not be able to say how long it will take. Obviously it will be our purpose to complete the talks as soon as we possibly can
'We will try and get them [the talks] concluded as fast
Both sides have to go as fast as they
as we can
possibly can'.
'The whole thing must now be speeded up and be discussed much more intensely and in much greater detail than it has before'.
'I would think they will take some months because you begin to look into the detail it is much more complicated than you think'.
'We have agreed to enter into talks which will start almost immediately'.
when
Hong Kong
'I think you have to maintain confidentiality ... but that doesn't mean to say that there will be no statement of any kind during the talks ...The actual negotiations and talks must themselves be confidential but of course as soon as we have anything to say we will keep in touch and give the news'.