DRAFT LETTER FROM THE PRIME MINISTER
To: Mr Allen Lee
Leader, Liberal Party of Hong Kong
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.
I have been taking a close personal interest in these
developments. I sent Premier Li Peng a message in November
proposing intensified efforts to reach an agreement.
We
will certainly continue to give high priority to this as
part of our offer to ensure full implementation of the
Joint Declaration and cooperation with China.
FROM:
RECE
01/11
INISTRY
15 DEC 1993
P FRicketts
Hong Kong Department
DATE: 13 December 1993
REGISTRY Action Taken
11
12
CC:
Mr Fry, FED
Pivate Secretary
The Minister
agrees.
Mr Hym
6.5. Drogis/.
M4 13/10
PS/Mr Goodlad Minister
Private Secretary
Ay 131.2.
A
HONG KONG: LETTER TO THE PRIME MINISTER FROM MR ALLEN LEE
1.
Hong Kong have sent us a copy of a letter from Allen Lee to the Prime Minister. We have not yet received the top copy from No 10. But the Governor has asked us to try to arrange an early and positive-sounding reply from the Prime Minister, given that Allen Lee has taken a generally helpful line recently on the first-stage legislation (he has, for example, seen off a suggestion from within his own party that a move be made to delay introduction of the legislation).
I submit a draft reply, cleared with the Governor, together with a draft covering letter to No 10.
2.
Zichett
PF Ricketts