18 March 1993
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Copy 35&M fodled.
бра
2. Mr Marshall
Va
я за
Foreign & Commonwealth
-Office
London SWIA 2AH
From The Secretary of State
Lear Low Shawcron.
Thank you for your letter of 23 February. of you to report your discussions with the Chinese
Ambassador.
It was good
We have tried hard in recent weeks to agree with the Chinese a basis for talks on the 1994/95 elections in Hong
Kong. We delayed publication of the Governor's draft
legislation for five weeks while these contacts continued. However, we told the Chinese that we could not delay indefinitely. When, on 12 March, the Chinese had still not
agreed to a date for talks, the Governor and ExCo decided, with our support, to publish the draft legislation. Introduction of the draft legislation into LegCo for debate would be a separate step. We will need to decide the timing of that in the light of developments.
None of this changes the need for talks between Britain and China. We remain ready to hold discussions on
the basis of the Joint Declaration, the Basic Law and the relevant agreements and understandings between Britain and China. The Governor's proposals are consistent with all
these.
I am prepared to have another meeting with my Chinese opposite number. However, I would want such a meeting to be productive, and I do not think that the timing is yet right.
The Rt Hon Lord Shawcross GBE OC
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