SECRET
FM FCO
TO DESKBY 260030Z PEKING
TELNO 314
OF 241758Z MAY 93
SECRET
HKB 011/7
RECE
EN IN DEGISTRY
2
DESK
INDEX
PA
REGISTRY Action Taken
AND TO IMMEDIATE HONG KONG, UKREPJLG-HONE
pr. Flection's
105165
MDHOAN 3325
(26
PEKING TELNOS 718 720 AND 730 AND HONG KONG TELNO 836: TALKS WITH THE CHINESE: BOUNDARY AND ELECTION COMMISSION (BEC) BILL
1.
.
Jiang Enzhu's eleventh hour objection to the BEC Bill is certainly unexpected and unwelcome. We agree with you and Hong Kong that there can be no question of withdrawing or amending the Bill at this late stage but that we should do what we can to mollify the Chinese and so prevent this issue from disrupting the talks. Since Jiang's objection seems to be based on a misapprehension this should on the face of it be possible.
2.
We agree with your proposed line of action, and that you should revert to the Chinese on the afternoon of 26 May, as soon as LegCo has passed the Bill. We also agree that you should deploy the three points in para 2 of Hong Kong TUR, Laying particular stress on the last one. We suggest it might be usefully modified so that it reads as follows:
The Bill does no more than specify the number of directly-elected District Board members. It does not in any way preempt decisions on the future of appointed membership for the District Boards and Municipal Councils. We also agree with the proposed response in Peking telno 730 para. 1.
3. We understand that the point in para 3 of Hong Kong TUR falls away because Hong Kong Legal Advisers have not confirmed that the timing of the bill' passage is indeed entirely in LegCo's hands.
ཟླ
We agree that we should not get caught in the Chinese salami slicer, and we are grateful to you for your preemptive comments (in para 5 of first TUR). Ministers are content with your proposed tactics for round four and beyond as set out in paras 3-8 of second TUR.
HURD
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