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our working papers and statements at the talks been informed in
general terms of our intention to proceed along these lines.
They did not react adversely then. But there have recently been
reports suggesting that they feel some disquiet about the
prospect of elections in Hong Kong.
7. The Green Paper deliberately makes no firm proposals about possible changes to the role or method of appointment of the
Governor (paragraphs 57-64). The reason for this is that we
have not yet reached agreement among ourselves, or with the Governor, on what changes should take place. (EXCO believe that a Governor elected by some means should be in place before 1997; however, they consider that the proposals in the paper should not be too specific, lest they be interpreted as an indication that HMG were planning to relinquish responsibility for Hong Kong well before 1997.) I attach a paper giving an outline of what seem to me to be the main possible alternatives. As you will see, the Governor has strong views which conflict with the suggestion in the paper that variations on a simple switch to an elected Governor should be considered. I should find it helpful to have at OD(K) your preliminary views and those of other colleagues on this difficult and very important question.
8. I suggest that the Governor and our Ambassador in Peking should then be asked to return to London for consultations on this and other matters in the week beginning 2 July.
The
question of the governorship before 1997 is closely linked with that of the Chief Executive of the SAR after that date and thus with our negotiations in Peking. I believe that it may be necessary for me to visit Peking again at the end of July to give a further impetus to the talks, and a strategic discussion with our people on the spot is clearly necessary.
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19.