While these were taking place the Governor, with the advice of
his Executive Council, delayed starting the legislative
process. By 12 March, with no agreement on talks in sight,
the Governor and his Executive Council decided, with
Ministers' support, to publish his proposals in the form of draft legislation, the first step in the legislative process.
But we continued to make it clear to China that this did not
affect the need for talks, or our wish for them.
16. A basis for talks was eventually agreed. They began in Peking on 22 April and are still continuing. Progress has
been slow but the atmosphere has been businesslike. Following the meeting in Peking on 9 July between our two Foreign
Ministers, the negotiations began to focus on the essential points of substance. But there is still a considerable gap
between our two sides and time is not unlimited. We need to
pass the necessary legislation so that orderly arrangements
can be made for the elections due in Hong Kong in 1994 and
1995. At his second stock-taking meeting with the Chinese
Foreign Minister on 1 October, Mr Hurd emphasised that we are
serious in wanting to reach agreement, but that it will take efforts by both sides to bridge the gap.
17. Our aim is to reach an understanding with China, but not
at any price. It remains an essential point for us that these
elections held under British administration should be fair,
open and acceptable to the people of Hong Kong. We have said we will recommend to the Legislative Council any understanding reached with China. It will be for the Legislative Council to pass the necessary legislation. We have said we will accept
their judgement, provided it is compatible with our international obligations.
Political Parties
18.
Although Hong Kong has had political parties for a
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