TNAG-1284-FCO40-1636-Constitutional-development-in-Hong-Kong-1984 — Page 27

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LEGCO. On that basis, we could instruct the Governor and the Ambassador to raise the question of constitutional development and the Governorship with the Chinese on 11 July, at the 18th round of talks. At that stage they would make no mention of a link with the

joint group.

We would decide in the light of the Chinese response

on the constitutional question whether it would be worth going

ahead with the idea of a trade-off between an elected Governor and a joint group in Hong Kong when the Secretary of State visited Peking.

Our disagreements with the Governor

10. If Ministers favoured the above approach, the timetable would already be tight enough. The problem is greatly complicated by the

fact that the Governor does not accept our views. He wants an elected Governor but opposes the idea of a trade-off for a joint group and does not want consultation with the Chinese in advance. Telegraphic discussion with the Governor on major points of

difference is always slow and does not invariably lead to a

conclusion. There is a strong argument for asking the Governor (and possibly the Ambassador) to return to London for

consultations. Since there is a round of talks next week, this

would probably have to take place in the week beginning 2 July. General Strategy and Ministers' plans

11. These problems all need to be looked at in the light of Ministers' plans during the summer. It is looking increasingly

likely that a visit to Peking by the Secretary of State may be necessary in late July. But we should not rule out the need for a September visit, either as an alternative or an addition to a July visit. We also need to consider the availability of Ministers at periods when decisions on a Hong Kong agreement are likely to be necessary, eg late August and early September. In addition to Foreign Office Ministers, this would include the Prime Minister and probably some other OD (K) members. The Secretary of State may wish to consider his and other timetables in this light.

Brip

R D Clift

21 June 1984

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Hong Kong Department