SECRETARY OF STATE'S OFFICE MEETING ON HONG KONG: 16 APRIL
CHECKLIST
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Short-term Tactical Issues in Talks with China
Steering brief agreed with Prime Minister sets out broad approach:
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Opening rounds to set out our position and draw out Chinese by questioning using the compendium of alternative proposals.
Separate Ministerial decision required before moving on to possible adjustments to Governor's proposals.
Draft Opening Statement (attached will need reviewing in light of discussion at this meeting).
Medium-term Tactical Issues
- Aim for a second round of talks in early May followed by
a Secretary of State/Qian meeting? (NB Russian proposal in Security Council for Foreign Minister level meeting in period 19-21 May).
Purpose of a Foreign Minister's Meeting: if progress is being made, take stock and give impetus; if Chinese still refusing to move beyond debate on principles, to secure Chinese agreement to move to practical issues.
Secrecy about subsequent rounds of talks: still an unresolved issue.
Longer-term Issues
What concessions should we seek from the Chinese?
(Steering Brief lists assurances from the Chinese on: a genuine "through train"; a move to full democracy by 2007; an agreed Election Committee to become the basis also for their Selection Committee for the Chief Executive.)
Preliminary look ahead to the extent we can contemplate amendment of the Governor's proposals (the Governor has suggested scope for amendment to the functional constituencies and the Election Committee proposals).
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