རྟ
CONFIDEN TIAL
Kong should have.
We have
Government's views on how this
at present no idea what the Chinese
consutlative process will be carried
We are not seeking to
that these matters are now
to them
out and exactly what its scope should
rush them but it must be obvious
of very great interest in Hong Kong.
12.
be.
while this
We recognise that there can be no early decisions and indeed
these decisions should not be taken without careful consideration
and wide consultation. During the next year or So,
debate proceeds in Hong Kong, neither Government should adopt
pre-conceived ideas. Both inside and outside the BLDC and BLCC,
ferment of ideas about Hong Kong's
The British side will not be formenting
this debate: it will happen naturally. The results of September's
LEGCO elections and the short experience thus far of the new LEGCO,
indicate that this debate will be open, sincere and responsible.
there will be a considerable
structure of government.
13.
As we said at JLG, we are in terest in a genuine two-way
dialogue. Believe this is best conducted informally and quietly to
avoid either side adopting en trenched positions. Hope that the
Chinese side will share wilt us any preliminary thoughts they might
have in this
area SO that there can be a
of constructive exchange
direct knowledge of each other's thinking. Hope that
JLG will already have helped reassure Chinese We have explained our thinking frankly to Chinese side.
Each side should be frank with the other about how their ideas are
developing.
views based on
discussion
Government.
14.
been
in
There must be trust between us.
We had hoped that this had established when Deng told the Secretary of State in July 1984 that Chinese had highest trust in Prime Minister/Secretary of State.
therefore particularly disturbed
mistrust of our motives.
We
are
a t
recent
*
signs of Chinese
15.
May be helpful if I make
seeking to
economic
make a profit
interests
left wing press in
proxy pro-British adminstration after 1997.
is not
suggest, Hong Kong sometimes
Britain is
is not things clear. some
of of Hong Kong, and protection out
first concern. our
trying, we
to leave behind
Our first concern is to
our
Nor
are
88
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