pa.
sa political parties (DAB)
0113.
7 October 1993
NISTRY 1073
Foreign & Commonwealth
Office
London SW1A 2AH
From The Secretary of State
Dear Mr. Tsans,
Thank you for your letter of 30 September, which you
sent to me on the eve of my meeting with the Chinese
Foreign Minister, about policy towards Hong Kong.
I share your hope that it will be possible for
Britain and China to reach agreement on the 1994/95
election arrangements in Hong Kong. We have been
negotiating seriously for the past five months in a
genuine attempt to reach an understanding. I have also
had two long discussions with Vice-Premier Qian Qichen in
an effort to focus the talks on the essential points and
to find ways of bridging the considerable gap that still
separates us.
During our talks in Peking the British side have made
major moves to meet Chinese concerns. I am disappointed
that there has been no corresponding move from the Chinese
side. A successful negotiation requires movement from
both sides.
When I met Vice-Premier Qian Qichen last week I
emphasised once again that we are serious about working
for success in the talks and explained the essential
principles for us: that the elections should be open, fair
and acceptable to the Hong Kong people, and that there
should be an agreement on clear and objective criteria
for the through train.
Mr Tsang Yok Sing
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