PRIME MINISTER'S QUESTION TIME:
16 MARCH
Гик
HAB 01/6
RECEM EGISTRY
17 MAR 1993
HONG KONG
Response to Premier Li Peng's charge that Britain is "perfidious"
As Chris Patten said on the radio this morning, a lot of charges have been thrown at us. But we have not had any constructive ideas from the Chinese side.
Our position has been
consistent. We have said that we want talks with China. We have done everything possible to get talks underway. Publication of draft legislation is no bar to talks.
- As Chris Patten made clear, proper Hong Kong participation in the British team is an important point of principle for us. Hong Kong officials have been members of the British team for many years in our discussions with China.
Governor delayed publication of draft legislation 4 times to create best possible climate for talks. Could not delay legislative process indefinitely.
- As future sovereign power, China shares responsibility for future stability and prosperity of Hong Kong. We shall continue to seek cooperation with China on the basis of the
Joint Declaration.
DESK CI FICER
INDEX
PA
REGISTRY Action Taken
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Fire is w. Pan
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