sospoints17.3
HKB 011/9
Rebsa. Pat
HUD
Opposition
Thank you
4
RECEPTOR IN REGISTRY
SECRETARY OF STATE'S MELTIENG WITH JACK CUNNINGHAM MP, 18 MARCH
HONG KONG
PA
Action Taken
Most grateful for your support in the House on Monday. Gratifying that our approach appears to have widespread
support on both sides of the House.
Disappointing that, despite our intensive efforts over two months, we failed to secure an acceptable basis for talks
with China on Hong Kong's electoral issues.
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I indicated that the immediate cause was the status of
Hong Kong Government representatives in the talks. You
should know that at the last moment, when agreement to talks
looked in sight, Chinese reopened the agreed announcement
and tried to insert wording which would have downgraded the
role of Hong Kong Government representatives in the talks.
Chinese were also unwilling to settle a date for talks.
The Governor therefore published his draft legislation on 12
March. Introduction into LegCo a separate step, to be
decided later.
Strong support in Hong Kong from liberals. But pro-business and pro-China groups critical. Hong Kong public 2:1 in
favour.
- As expected, Chinese spokesmen have reacted harshly. They
appear to have ruled out talks and have said that they will prepare for a new legislature and a new Government in 1997.
We face another bumpy period. Are emphasising that the door remains open.
Know that some on the Chinese side favoured
talks and hope they will prevail. But if we must, we will
get the legislative process underway. Aim is to have the
legislation passed by the July recess.