PRIME MINISTER'S QUESTION TIME: 20 MAY
HONG KONG
Welcome start of talks with China on Hong Kong electoral issues. Hope we can get down discussing details at third round due 21-23 May.
- Our aim is to reach an understanding with China on arrangements to ensure that the 1995 elections will be fair,
open and acceptable to Hong Kong people.
If we do reach an
understanding, the British and Hong Kong Governments will recommend this to the
Legislative Council in Hong Kong. It will be for them to pass the necessary legislation.
(Defensive: Will talks delay legislation?)
Governor and his Executive Council will take decisions on putting the legislation to LegCo in the light of progress in the talks.
We need to make good progress, so that legislation will be in place in time for the District
Board elections in 1994.
SIR PERCY CRADOCK IN PEKING
Sir Percy Cradock is now a
private individual. He is travelling to China in that capacity.
(if raised)
He is not an emissary from HMG to the Chinese authorities and
is not carrying any message from HMG.
HKB 011/6
RECEIVED IN REGISTRY
2: MAY 1903
REGISTRY
DESK OFFICER
INDEX
PA
Acton Falen
15ap.pm.PR SLM
(14)