27-OCT-1993 11:47
HK GOVERNMENT HOUSE
2
852 521 1868
P.07
We
Our Second main objective relates to the through train. The whole point of our discussing these election
these election arrangements with China is reach an understanding whereby members of LegCo elected in 1995 can ride the through train to the first legislature of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region in 1997. For this to happen, these arrangements need to meet the concerns of both sides. We have therefore agreed to match in 1995 the numbers set out in the Basic Law for the composition of the 1997 LegCo. And we have acknowledged that members of the 1995 LegCo will need "confirmation" by the Preparatory Committee to serve beyond 1997, as set out in the Basic Law. What we are asking for in return is
is that the Preparatory Committee will not apply arbitrary or subjective criteria. Our view is that if members of the 1995 Legco are ready to pledge allegiance to the SAR and to uphold the Basic Law, as required in the Basic Law, that should be sufficient.
intensive
would not have been spending the last 5 months Oz 80 in negotiations with China if we were not serious about wanting to reach an agreement. It would of course bẹ much the best outcome for everyone concerned. Mr Hurd made it very clear to Foreign Minister Qian Qichen when they met in New York recently that we were working for success in these talks. The gap between our two sides is still wide. We have made a serious effort to meet Chinese concerns but, so far, there has been no commensurate response from them. I very much hope we may something
in the coming weeks. As everyone keeps
takes efforts from both sides to reach agreement.
saying,
see it
As the Governor has said, we believe it should be possible to reach an accord which meets the concerns of both sides. But we are not prepared to give away our principles in order to sign a piece of paper. It must be an agreement which we can honourably commend to Hong Kong. That remains the objective. But it is now clear to all concerned that we only have weeks rather than months to reach agreement. Whatever the outcome, it will clearly still be important for Britain and China to cooperate over Hong Kong. We and the Hong Kong Government have every intention of working with China in all the many fields where this makes sense: in the JLG, in all the government and civil service contacts with China, in cooperation over security matters and so on. In the economic field we hope the Chinese side will turn their words into deeds and agree soon on financing arrangements to allow the new airport to be completed. We hope too that they will soon give agreement for the Ninth Container Terminal to go ahead.
Finally, I would like to say a word about nationality issues. I know how strong are the feelings in this Council and in the Community on these issues. The Governor has reflected these concerns forcefully to Ministers in London; he has argued Hong Kong's case with vigour and will I know continue to do so. I have also conveyed this strength of feeling and the points made to the Foreign Secretary and to my other Ministerial colleagues in London. I too will continue to do so.
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