ptm.paris.NAT
JEB
MUD 021/4
RECE!
2 9 NOV 1993
DESK OFFICE
CONFIDENTIAL
MR GOODLAD'S VISIT TO PARIS, 29/30 NOVEMBER
HONG KONG ISSUES
Points to make
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Negotiations with Chinese over Hong Kong have reached a decisive phase. We remain committed to reaching agreement,
but little time now left before Chris Patten must make
practical arrangements for the elections which fall between
now and 1995.
Lack of any moves by Chinese side during 14 Rounds of talks
led us to expect we would have to conclude [at the special
meeting] in/by early October that they were not interested in compromise. But at the 15th Round they offered a first stage deal on the less controversial issues. We decided that if this offer could be improved, we should agree it.
[EITHER:]
[Sadly, at Rounds 16 and 17 (19/20 & 26/27 November), Chinese side not prepared to make the limited moves necessary to reach a first stage deal. We are taking stock. There are
important isues of principle at stake. We will need to introduce legislation shortly to make the minimum
administrative arrangements for the 1994/95 elections to
enable us to stay on course. But shall try to persuade
Chinese side to continue discussions on the more controversial
issues relating to the 1995 LegCo elections].
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[OR:]
[Happily, the Chinese agreed at Round 17 (26/27 November) to a first stage deal, which will enable us to press ahead with
legislation on some of the administrative arrangements for the
1994 and 1995 elections. We shall now continue discussions on
the more controversial issues: the functional constituencies,
the Election Committee and the "through train" (arrangements
to enable legislative counsellors elected in 1995 to serve the
four year term through 1997)].
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CONFIDENTIAL
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