TNAG-1317-FCO40-1720-Future-of-Hong-Kong-meetings-of-the-Cabinet-Defence-and-Over-1984 — Page 57

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our working papers and statements at the talks been informed in general terms of our intention to proceed along these lines. They did not react adversely then. But there have recently been reports suggesting that they feel some disquiet about the prospect of elections in Hong Kong.

7.

The Green Paper deliberately makes no firm proposals about possible changes to the role or method of appointment of the

Governor (paragraphs 57-64). The reason for this is that we have not yet reached agreement among ourselves, or with the Governor, on what changes should take place. (EXCO believe that a Governor elected by some means should be in place before 1997;

however, they consider that the proposals in the paper should not

be too specific, lest they be interpreted as an indication that

HMG were planning to relinquish responsibility for Hong Kong well

before 1997.) I attach a paper giving an outline of what seem to me to be the main possible alternatives. As you will see, the Governor has strong views which conflict with the suggestion in

the paper that variations on a simple switch to an elected

Governor should be considered. I should find it helpful to have

at OD(K) your preliminary views and those of other colleagues on

this difficult and very important question.

8. I suggest that the Governor and our Ambassador in Peking

should then be asked to return to London for consultations on

this and other matters in the week beginning 2 July. The question of the governorship before 1997 is closely linked with

that of the Chief Executive of the SAR after that date and

thus with our negotiations in Peking. I believe that it may be

necessary for me to visit Peking again at the end of July to give

a further impetus to the talks, and a strategic discussion with

our people on the spot is clearly necessary.

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19.