Publication of the legislation should not make it more
difficult to begin talks with China. The Bill sets out the
Governor's proposals, which have been public since October, in
legislative form. This does not affect the basis for talks
with China, the need for such talks or our wish to hold them.
We have said that if we reached an understanding with the
Chinese side we would recommend this to the Legislative
Council.
We remain ready for talks at any time and I hope that the
Chinese side will be prepared to settle quickly on
arrangements for them. Britain has responsibility for the
administration of Hong Kong until 1997. Part of that
responsibility is to maintain the steady progress towards
democracy in Hong Kong. We are open to discussions about how
to achieve that. But the key point is that the electoral
arrangements in Hong Kong should be fair, open and acceptable
to the people of Hong Kong.
The Chinese side also have responsibilities and interests as
the future sovereign power. Britain and China have every
incentive to work together to ensure the future success of
Hong Kong. We will continue to pursue the path of cooperation
with China: we look to the Chinese side to do the same.
sosstatement15.3