THE PRIME MINISTER
(PA.
(ET"MON)
109696 HKD for onward
нку
10 DOWNING STREET
LONDON SW1A 2AA
LAST PAPER
Dear B. Lee,
[
transmission Planse
(CLIPS (14)
14 Blouse
PS/ der Gelad
XS 16-x11
16 December 1993
01/1
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!"
Thank you for your letter of 8 December about the talks between Britain
and China on electoral issues in Hong Kong.
I share your frustration that it has not been possible to reach agreement in
these talks. That is not for want of trying on the British side. We have done all
we can to bring them to a successful conclusion. I quite agree that it is in the
interests of the people of Hong Kong that there should be cooperation between
Britain and China in order to secure a smooth transition.
I know that, as an experienced member of LegCo, you will agree that it
is important for LegCo to have adequate time to consider the complex
legislation needed for the 1994 and 1995 elections. That was a key factor in the
decision which we and the Governor took to introduce for LegCo's
consideration draft legislation on the most urgent issues.
You ask Britain and China to return to the negotiating table. As far as the
British side is concerned, we have never left the table. We want the talks to
continue on the remaining issues in the time gained by getting on with the most
urgent elements. We have proposed a further round of talks on 17/18
December. I regret to say that the Chinese side have not yet indicated that they
are ready to join us again at the table.