pm.bilat/CONST/njc
CONFIDENTIAL
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SECRETARY OF STATE'S BILATERAL WITH PRIME MINISTER: 9 SEPTEMBER 1992
Hong Kong constitutional developments
(a) Proposed timetable:
11 September: minute to PM and OPD(K) colleagues with proposals
(15 September: OPD (K) meeting ?)
25 September: meeting with Qian Qichen in New York general briefing; HMA Peking
gives Lu Ping message from Governor
7 October:
Governor addresses LegCo
12-14 October:
Governor visits Peking
Thank you
Re
16-20 November: Governor visits London
(b) Arguments against OPD (K) meeting:
Mr Patten should attend (eg to show that he is at the centre of decision-making) but it would cause difficulties with ExCo for him to do so without first consulting them on the issues which would cause leaks.
-The issues do not directly involve other Departments' interests: we do not believe that Mr Patten's proposals would increase the risk of our defence or financial contingent liabilities becoming real.
- The proposals are for a refinement of present policy, which should make it more acceptable in Hong Kong and at Westminster, rather than a radical change of course.
Bab, if in wants collcopes? endorsement of What any be onhoversial domestically, as well
in Hoy Kay's Peking
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CONFIDENTIAL