GENERAL
Al.
Chen Ziying was quoted as saying that Hong Kong people need not be too pessimistic; China would adhere to the Basic Law to bring about a smooth transition (HK press
1 November 1993).
"
A2. In an interview with Wide Angle (reported in Hong Kong papers on 2 Nov) Li Peng said that a lot of work had to be brought forward and speeded up in order to facilitate a smooth transition and maintain Hong Kong's prosperity.
A3. Wang Fengchao of the HKMAO said that if the political reform proposals were tabled in LegCo before an agreement was reached it would mean an end to the talks and the Chinese side would not agree to any reform package approved
by LegCo (HK press 11 November).
A4.
Confirming that Prime Minister Major had written to Li Peng calling for a faster pace in the talks, Qian Qichen said this was also China's wish, adding that the talks had
to be based on the JD and Basic Law. He added that China
did not have any new demands (HK press 17 November).
A5. At a meeting with the Hong Kong and Kowloon Kaifong Associations delegation on 22 November, Chen Ziying of the
HKMAO said that in fact there were no easy or difficult aspects of the talks; as long as both sides observed the JD and later agreements there should be no easier or more difficult things. He said that at a crucial juncture the
British side had "raised a new demand", insisting on