CONFIDENTIAL
"This was contrary to previous practice". The Governor
explained at some length why it was no longer possible in Oct
1992 to negotiate behind Hong Kong's back. Furthermore Sir P
Cradock implies here that consultation across the board was
"previous practice", (having taken pains in Chapter 23 to
explain that the airport MOU did not concede the principal of
consultation in any other areas).
[General comment: Description of Chinese analysis of the
Governor's proposals is neutral to the point of implying that that analysis is reasonable (rather than unsupported by the
facts). To the best of our knowledge, Sir P Cradock does not
believe that it is reasonable: he should be encouraged to say
so].
P9
-
"LegCo, to them a purely advisory body". The Chinese view is
constitutionally incorrect. The passage should not imply that
it is reasonable.
- The Governor visited Canada, but did not visit the United States in this time frame (not until May 1993) and has never yet
visited Australia.
х
- "Confirmed Peking in the instinctive suspicion". Again implies China's unreasonable views were justified.
- Second para "a confrontation rapidly developed". Implies both
sides contributed. We were still seeking to negotiate.
P10
- "On the British side the Government expressed their full
backing for Mr Patten; and the Foreign Secretary stated that the
days of negotiation with Peking over the head of Hong Kong were
jm.lett.JM
SLM
CONFIDENTIAL
x