01-JUL-13:
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200 FPL OTI BIS 4816
ULGENT
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KAY SAUNDERS
P. Its Question Tinie (1 July)
HONG KONG AND LORD HOWE'S REPORT ON CHINA
Meeting with the Governor and the Foreign Secretary and other Ministers
I expressed wholehearted support for the Governor's proposals, and for the conduct of the talks with Chua, It was agreed that we should ahead with the talks. Our aim is to secure agreement on electoral arrangements which are fair, open and acceptable to the people of Hong Kong.
Is there a deadline for the negotiations?
We want the talks to succeed. It would not be helpful to start talking about deadlines. But clearly the talks cannot go on for ever. Legislation must be in place in time for the 1994 District Board cicctions.
Will the Foreign Secretary megi ile Chinese Foreign Minister? We have au understanding with China that the two Foreign Ministers should aim to meet twice a year, but no decision has yet been taken on the date of their next meeting.
Will the Governor's proposals be watered down?
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The Governor's approach has the full support of the British Government, as we agreed again today His aim and num talks with China, is to secure agreement on electoral arrangements which are open, fair, and acceptable to the people of Hong Kong.
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REGISTRY Action Taken
(Defensive National eopic's Congress to set-up preparatory group for post-1997 Hong Kong)
Under the Joint Declaration Britain is responsible for administering Hong Kong up to 1997. No one is questioning that.
Lord Howe's report on Human Rights in China
Grateful to Lord Howe and his team for undertaking this visit. A valuable report which points to 2 number of areas where situation could be improved.
Hope the Chinese Government will give it careful and positive consideration.
We are ready to implement those Tecõimmendations relevant to us.
No connection between release of We report and Cluis Patton's visit.
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