WHY NOT BRING ELECTIONS FORWARD AND HOLD THEM BEFORE 1995?

The first tier of the elections, to the District Boards, are

due in September next year. Already the timing is becoming tight. We should proceed in an orderly and measured way,

preserving the possibility of continuity beyond 1997.

WILL YOU NOW BE PUTTING THE GOVERNOR'S ORIGINAL PROPOSALS TO

LEGCO?

We want the talks to continue on the issues not covered in

the interim legislation to be introduced next week. Hence premature to speculate what the shape of eventual draft legislation on those issues would be.

WHAT WILL BECOME OF THE THROUGH TRAIN?/SMOOTH TRANSITION

We continue to believe that continuity and a smooth transfer

of Government in 1997 is in the best interests of Hong Kong.

Our aim remains electoral arrangements which are consistent

with the Basic Law. In that case no reason not to have a

through train.

CHINESE THREATS TO MAKE OWN ARRANGEMENTS FOR 1997/ROLE OF

PREPARATORY WORK GROUP?

supps.3.12.PR.JRB

Chinese leaders say they will abide by the Joint Declaration and the Basic Law. That is the key point.

Under the Joint Declaration, Britain is responsible for

administering Hong Kong up to July 1997, and the Chinese Government is committed to giving its cooperation in this

connection.

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