CONFIDENTIAL
3032
MDI IN 8272
4. Party spokesmen have found much to support in my proposals for social and economic reform, although, as usual, LegCo members have identified personal or "constituency" priorities where they believe I have not gone far enough.
5.
However, most of their comments have been reserved for constitutional reform. These demonstrate that we have effected a considerable transformation of the political geography to our advantage.
6. First, the public's enthusiasm for standing-up for the territory's interests has been reinvigorated. I had to use some stern language but that has undoubtedly stirred a renewed groundswell of support which can only make our position stronger in dealing with China.
7. Second, but more important, both Martin LEE and Meeting Point have reacted against my exposition of the revised proposals we put forward in the talks. I emphasised that our efforts reflected the stance of the community: we seek accommodation but not at the expense of our principles; we are determined, but can be no more SO than the community and the legislature. In contrast, the "democrats" have adopted an intractable position: the original package is the bottom line; no compromise is acceptable; we should call a referendum. At the moment, their uncompromising attitude does not represent majority opinion. To some extent they have helped to demonstrate the reasonableness of our own stand.
8.
This has created considerable difficulties for the Liberal Party and the DAB. If they attack HKG vigorously now, they risk demonstrating how far they stand apart from mainstream opinion, that their true colours are those of accommodation at any price. In consequence, their initial comments have been very largely complaints about my assessment of how much time LegCo needs to debate the legislation.
THE CPG REACTION
9.
The HKMAO and NCNA, Hong Kong Branch are biding their time, no doubt awaiting instructions. (The UDHK attacks on me have put them in a more difficult position.) NCNA comment in Hong Kong has confined itself to some predictable remarks about the "three conformities" and the late hour at which they were given the speech. Initial signs from a variety of publicly-reported and
PAGE
2
CONFIDENTIAL