16 JAN. '90 12:26
FROM COI TECHNICAL RADIO
TO FCO NEWS
PAGE.009/010
TRANSCRIPT B: FOREIGN SEC
―
P.C.
Sand
HONG KONG 16 JAN 90
-8-
FURRIGA SECRETARY (COFTD):
I agree with you that the demonstration today was peaceful,
it was a demostration against repatriation;
was well organised;
it was a demonstration organised, I think, for your benefit rather
than mine; but that is perfectly fair, I make no complaint about
It does not alter the position.
that.
I must say one of the impressions I return to London with is
of the very strong feeling at the grass roots in Hong Kong on this
question of the boat people.
SALLY BLYTH (RADIO-TV HONG KONG):
I would just like to back to the question of political
reform. You said when you arrived here that the timing would be
within weeks. Can you say whether a decision will be made as soon
as the Plenary Session of the Basic Law Drafting Committee meeting
in London in February?
FOREIGN SECRETARY:
I cannot be definite about that. I have used the premise
"within weeks, I hope" and that remains the position.
QUESTION:
I do know that some local committee leaders seen very
disappointed because they were not given a chance of meeting you to
express their views on political structure, the boat people and the
like.