HKD 024/2
CONFIDENTIAL
38
れ
th, Wostrow.
SIR JOHN COLES' MEETING WITH AMBASSADOR MA, 23 APRIL
THE MCCONNELL BILL
Points to Make
For a telefon
telegram
to leking,
please
- We have been monitoring progress of the Bill. But we have
not encouraged it.
- Nor have we adopted an attitude of tacit acceptance. We
have let US Administration and members of Congress know of
our concern.
But there is a limit on what we can do to influence the
legislature of another sovereign state. We cannot be seen
to be interfering in the internal affairs of another
country.
Bill seeks to harness congressional interest in Hong Kong
in a way that is meant to be helpful. Any attempt publicly
to criticise the Bill would be counterproductive. It would
focus attention on the Bill and fuel the suspicions of those in Congress who are not friends of China.
- Natural that those with a major economic stake in
Hong Kong such as the US should take an interest in
developments there. Should not see that as negative.
Believe Senator McConnell's intentions are good. Note he
voted for MFN renewal.
Aware of your concern about reporting requirement on
implementation of the JD. Believe that this is also
understood by the US Administration who are discussing it with Congress.
JH2ACN/3
CONFIDENTIAL