Line to Take
CONFIDENTIAL
Change of Policy in October 1992?
There has been no change of policy on Hong Kong. We remain committed to the approach set out in the Joint Declaration, and that includes cooperation with China. Quite wrong to suggest that we have adopted a policy of confrontation or unilateralism.
Britain breached Joint Declaration in October 1992 by "refusing consultations" over the Patten proposals?
Nonsense. We have carried out our obligation:
Secretary of State made clear when giving advance notice of the Governor's proposals in September 1992 that we would wish to discuss them with the Chinese
side.
Governor made clear in his October 1992 address that
these were proposals for discussion with China. He then went to Peking with the express intention of discussing the constitutional proposals.
Throughout the remainder of the period from October 1992 until talks with China began in April 1993 it was the British side who repeatedly pressed for consultation on this issue.
We have held detailed discussions with China over
seven months on the proposals, and wish to continue
these talks.
CONFIDENTIAL