TNAG-1891-FCO40-2684-Visits-by-Sir-Geoffrey-Howe-and-by-Douglas-Hurd--Secretaries-1989 — Page 45

-

TRANSCRIPT B: FOREIGI BEC P.C. HONG KONG 4 JULY 1989

-5-

POPRICE SECRETARY:

We start from the premise, which I articulated in my speech

and indeed in my Statement today, that on a matter of this kind

need to be guided very much by the opinions of the people of Hong

Kong.

-

The present constitutional prospect is founded, to the best

of our judgement, an those opinions. The most recent expression -

Hang on! Contain yourself! - of that opinion is that expressad by

OBELCO on 24 May, which offered the prospect of 50 percent by 1997.

OMELCO have made it clear that they will be reconsidering that in

light of more recent developments.

We have made it clear that we

shall be guided very largely by the outcome of that consideration.

QUESTION (SAWR LADY);

But you are listening to people who are largely appointed by

Even the French do this: why not a referendum

the Administration.

on the need to have elections?

FOREIGN SECRETARY:

I am not sure whether the commandation "even the French" ia

meant to put it higher or lower in the pattern of priorities, but

the fact is that referanda have not been a feature of British

government either in the UK or anywhere else and we do clearly have

to try and reach a conclusion that is the most sensible balance in a

whole range of circumstances and all those circumstances involve

Page 45Page 46

CUI ENS IN N