DO-FEB-1990 17:30
SOUTH CHINA MORNING POST
+852 811 1048
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Cont'd/pg. 2
10. what other steps can be taken to restart dialogue with the Chinese government over Hongkong's political development? Is there a role for a special envoy from the British government?
11. Are there any plans to assign further members of the Foreign Office to Hongkong to help advise the Governor on relations with Beijing?
12. Will the British government positively support the arrangements for the 1995 election put forward by the Governor and Executive Council during the legislative council debates on the issue, or adopt a neutral stance?
13. Will the British government support whatever model for the 1995 elections emerges from the legislative council?
14. Do you accept that the Chinese government is worried the contents of any diplomatic discussions it holds with the British will be disclosed? Are you prepared to guarantee that the contents of such discussions will be kept confidential, even if it brings accusations of "secret talks" from Hongkong people?
15. Does convergence and the "through train" remain a goal of British policy on Hongkong's political development? Is it a primary goal?
16. How can the Governor's political reform proposals lead to convergence, given China's insistence the two are irreconcilable? Is convergence necessary for a smooth transition, or do you believe a smooth transition is possible without it?
17. You said in 1990 that "those who suggest that whatever we do now China would be obliged to accept in 1997 are out of touch with reality". Does that statement still remain valid today, and how can it be reconciled with the Governor's statement that "what works now won't be changed"? Or with China's threat of "a second stove"?
18. Do you accept that British policy towards Hongkong has changed or evolved, if so, why?
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.../pg.3