XN000022-1996-01-06+07 — Page 6

5

Question: Will you ask Director Lu Ping to meet Governor Chris Patten?

Foreign Secretary: Well. We believe that all contacts are very very valuable indeed. The Governor represents the views of the British Government. It's very important that dialogue should take place with all who can contribute to the well-being of the people of Hong Kong. And therefore contacts with the Governor, with others who have interest and importance on matters to contribute are highly desirable and highly worth pursuing.

Question: But they haven't met for quite a long time.

Foreign Secretary: Well, it would be very good if they could recommence.

Question: Do you have any plans to try and persuade the Chinese not to dismantle Legco in its current form?

Foreign Secretary: We see no good reason at all why Legco should be dismantled. Legco has been properly elected and we believe it would be very desirable for Legco to be able to continue to operate throughout its full term of office. We believe that would be in the interest of every one including the aspirations of the Chinese Government themselves quite properly have.

Question: Will ... to Beijing?

Foreign Secretary: I've no doubt that the subject of Legco will be one of the items that we will be discussing and indeed I will be meeting Legco here in Hong Kong and hearing their views on just those matters.

Question: Will you be raising human rights? Will you be mentioning human rights?

Foreign Secretary: We traditionally do raise these sort of subjects when we meet the Chinese leaders. When I met the Chinese Foreign Minister in London, that subject was raised and I've no doubt it would be raised in future occasions as well.

Question: Will you be raising the question of ... the proposals... the Bill of Rights?

Foreign Secretary: We already have made our views known on that. We have understand these received quite strong representations from Hong Kong. We representations. We believe they have very considerable force and we have made our views known to the Chinese Government and I have no doubt that will also be one of the subjects that will be discussed in Peking.