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on standard lines; on other issues, he said that he had found Li Peng's comments about Hong Kong's need for a new airport a significant new departure; otherwise no major progress had been made (nor expected before the visit) but the main point was that the atmosphere had been good and the contacts established should help further progress. Returning to the Nationality Bill in answer to further questioning, Mr Maude did not see the problem going away immediately and emphasised that continued discussions would be likely to be needed over the next several years. answer to a question about whether he felt more relaxed following the visit, he said that he had come away reasonably reassured. The atmosphere had been good. sensed a real feeling that both sides wished to move forward and to put aside the difficult period of the last year. answer to questions about follow-up visits, he confirmed that he had proposed a visit by Tian Zengpei and that a visit by the Secretary of State was certainly possible some time. He touched (again in answer to a question) on likely future EC action, including the Troika meeting at UNGA, and mentioned the possibility of the Secretary of State meeting the Chinese foreign minister there. There were also a few unremarkable exchanges about Cambodia and VBPs.
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5. Mr Maude also referred to his remarks on Human Rights to Li Peng.
Bernard Levin had attacked him for his comment that the Chinese had received his criticism without anger; the fact was that it was remarkable that the Chinese leaders had not reacted; in the past they would have brushed the criticism aside as interference in their internal affairs. Mr Maude also said that the Chinese had accepted more obligations on Human Rights in Hong Kong than they had in China, by signing the Joint Declaration. His confidence in their willingness to observe Human Rights obligations in Hong Kong rested on their excellent record on observing international agreements as well as the strong economic benefits to China of a prosperous Hong Kong.
6. As the interview progressed Mr Maude and Mr McEwan agreed between themselves which parts were on the record, off the record or background. Mr McEwan told me as we left that he would work the interview up for publication over the next few days.
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