30 March 1993
Foreign &
Commonwealth
Office
From The Secretary of Mate
Dear Robert,
Like you, I am
Thank you for your letter of 19 March.
concerned that, despite considerable efforts on our part,
we have been unable to persuade the Chinese to enter a dialogue. However, I do not share your analysis of the
reasons why. Of your three "explanations", the first two
are certainly not correct and, although I cannot speak for
China, I do not believe that your third choice accurately reflects their position.
You should by now have received a copy of my letter of 24 March to colleagues, which explains the background to the proposals which the Governor put to the Legislative
Council on 7 October. It also explains how the proposals
fit with the Joint Declaration and the Basic Law, and makes
clear that the exchange of letters I had with the Chinese
Foreign Minister in 1990 did not result in an understanding
between us on the 1995 elections.
You do not discount the intransigence of certain people in Peking as a factor in our differences with China.
I wonder if you give it sufficient weight. I know that the Chinese maintain that our proposals are in breach of earlier agreements, but I am disappointed that you share
their view. It is not supported by the facts. We have invited the Chinese to tell us where they believe our
proposals breach the Joint Declaration, or the Basic Law,
Robert Adley Esq MP