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opened the way to a more cooperative relationship with China over Hong Kong between now and 1997.
This new atmosphere already bearing fruit: meeting of
Sino-British Joint Liaison Group in London (24-26 September)
held in productive and workmanlike atmosphere. Agreed on Court of Final Appeal and a number of other technical
issues.
(In margins)
Pleased that a range of Commonwealth and other countries are taking steps to help maintain confidence in Hong Kong.
Grateful for anything you can do to help ensure/promote Hong Kong's future as international centre of trade and
finance.
ELECTIONS TO THE HONG KONG LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL (Defensive)
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Congratulate Hong Kong on successful organisation of
recent LegCo elections (12 and 15 September). Important step on road to greater democracy in Hong Kong. For first
time a majority of members are elected (18 directly, 21
indirectly).
We have two aims: steady development of more
representative government in Hong Kong; and that it should
be sustainable.
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These two aims need to go together.
(If pressed) It remains our policy to persuade the Chinese to accept a faster pace of democratisation in line with Hong Kong opinion. Need to discuss whole issue with new
Legislative Council.
POPAKK/2
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