CONFIDENTIAL
MEETING IN THE MARGINS OF THE SECURITY COUNCIL WITH CHINESE FOREIGN MINISTER
HONG KONG ISSUES
Sent you my message (attached) in constructive spirit. Have now seen your response. We both agree that progress has been made. We both want the talks
to succeed. Good for overall cooperation on Hong Kong up to 1997. Emphasise three points:
First, not productive to spend more time in the talks debating general propositions.
Second, that is why I proposed that we should move on now to discuss the details. We will look with open minds at any ideas you put forward. Alternatively, there may be ideas already put forward by people in Hong Kong which meet your requirements.
Third, of fundamental importance to us that the talks deal with arrangements for a genuine "through train" and the three other issues which Sir R McLaren raised in his opening statement. Essential that those elected in 1995 know whether they can serve until 1999.
Propose that we agree to give new political impetus to the talks. Confident that discussion of specific electoral arrangements will create the conditions for a new step towards understanding between us on general principles.
We must use available time constructively. Inescapable requirement that laws must be passed in Hong Kong in time for elections to be held in an orderly way in 1994/95.
Also wish to see early progress on Airport (we have recently given your side a third proposal on financing), and in the JLG (we want a well-prepared JLG meeting in June at which results are achieved, for example on air services and outstanding contracts and franchises).
CONFIDENTIAL