· SEC
TARY OF STATE'S MEETING WITH JONATHAN DIMBLEBY ON HONG KONG:
9 MARCH 1993
BULL POINTS
Development of democracy
Change in political climate in Hong Kong.
Hong Kong people want Hold strong opinions
to have a say in determining their future.
on democracy as intensive debate on Governor's proposals since
last October shows.
Governor's proposals aim to make the electoral system as fair,
open and broadly-based as possible, taking into account wishes of Hong Kong people while remaining within the terms of the Joint
Declaration and the Basic Law.
Governor has our firm support. Press speculation that he (or
Legco) could be cut out of decision making is rubbish). Hong
Kong support for his proposals remains solid at more than 2 to 1
according to latest opinion polls.
UK/China talks
Want to press ahead quickly with talks without preconditions.
Have been pressing the Chinese in recent weeks to begin talks
soon. Few points still to clear up (nuts and bolts). Could and should be resolved quickly.
Governor has delayed gazetting draft legislation (ie his
proposals) to show Chinese we are sincere about talks and wanting to reach an understanding with them. But cannot delay publishing indefinitely. Aim is to enact legislation this session so that
arrangements can be made for 1994/1995 elections.
gazetting deferred less time for debate in Legco.
Longer
Role of LEGCO
Constitutional position is clear. Legco will need to enact
legislation for the 1994/95 elections. If we reached agreement with China we would recommend it to Legco. Cannot imagine
circumstances in which UK/Governor would come to an agreement
unacceptable to Legco.