TNAG-1374-FCO40-1820-Ministerial-visits-from-the-UK-to-Hong-Kong-1985 — Page 11

MR RENTON :

My discussions in fact with EXCO and with Officials, the contents of those are confidential but that

1.... the contents of those are

is a matter for the Hong Kong government to think closely about, and it is for them to take their decisions, if necessary in consultation

with us.

I haven't anything further to add on that at the moment.

QUESTION:

Philip Ho, Financial Daily: Minister, in

your understanding, what is China's attitude towards the political reform of Hong Kong and what is the response of the British

government?

MR RENTON:

Well, the British government, as you will

well know, we are responsible with and through the Hong Kong government for the administration of Hong Kong up until 1997. I think as far as the Chinese attitude is concerned, I am tempted to say to you "ask China"! But, I can assure you that in the discussions that we shall be having with China, and particularly

that all the time in the back of our minds will be to go back to the point asked me by the questioner just now behind you, is of course to ensure that there is a smooth transition and that the prosperity which is at the heart of Hong Kong's development, that this isn't put at risk.

QUESTION, (by Emily Lau) Yes, Mr Renton, to go back to my previous question. Is it not true about your opinion on political reforms in Hong Kong, is it not true that in your conversations with certain community leaders in Hong Kong over cocktail parties, you expressed deep reservation about Western-style democracy for Hong Kong, saying that it would be extremely divisive, and in your opinion it is not the proper path to take?

MR RENTON:

Well, I am personally rather distrustful of questions that begin with the words "in your conversations with community leaders over cocktail parties" because it implies a sort of nefarious approach in the corner of a room over a strong gin and tonicl And I can assure you that I am not aware of having had any such particular conversations or, indeed, of having made such remarks. What I would say to you quite clearly, and I said this in my opening remarks I think when I arrived here on Sunday, it is not

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