4KB 01116
PRIME MINISTER'S QUESTION TIME: 7 DECEMBER
HONG KONG
File (18)
(rels with
parlament)
Line to Take
Fully support the Governor's decision to start legislative process.
We have not broken off the talks with China. It is necessary for practical reasons to put draft legislation on the more urgent issues to the Legislative Council before it rises for its Christmas recess.
The Governor has therefore announced that he will publish draft legislation on 10 December for introduction on 15 December.
We hope the talks will continue and have proposed a further round of talks ́in December to continue discussion of the remaining issues.
Would prefer to proceed by agreement with China wherever possible, and attach importance to cooperation on the basis of the Joint Declaration.
China say they will break off talks if we begin legislation
We have said all along that we could not delay legislation indefinitely.
We have said we stand ready to discuss remaining issues with the Chinese side. Hope they will agree to do so.
What point in elections in 1995 if Chinese hold new ones in 1997?
- It is our plain duty to administer Hong Kong to the best of our ability until 30 June 1997. That includes holding these elections.
China has every interest in a smooth transfer of sovereignty in 1997.
Should not have unnecessary rows with Chinese affecting British business interests
Essential for Hong Kong's economic success that its way of life and legal system are maintained after 1997. Key part of that is to have a Legislative Council elected openly and fairly. The people of Hong Kong deserve no less.
Sir Percy Cradock's article: South China Sunday Morning Post
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Have seen the article. Sir Percy Cradock is a distinguished former public servant and is entitled to his views.
- Not right to say that there has been any change of policy on Hong Kong. We remain committed to the approach set out in the Joint Déclaration. We need to get on with the urgent legislation: no reason why that should damage wider co-operation which is self-evidently in interests of Britain, China and Hong Kong.
15ap.pm.PR
SLM