TNAG-2032-FCO40-2895-Visit-by-Douglas-Hurd--Secretary-of-State-for-Foreign-and-Co-1990 — Page 28

16 JAN. '90 12:26

FROM COI TECHNICAL RADIO

TO FCO NEWS

PAGE.009/010

TRANSCRIPT B: FOREIGN SEC

―

P.C.

Sand

HONG KONG 16 JAN 90

-8-

FURRIGA SECRETARY (COFTD):

I agree with you that the demonstration today was peaceful,

it was a demostration against repatriation;

was well organised;

it was a demonstration organised, I think, for your benefit rather

than mine; but that is perfectly fair, I make no complaint about

It does not alter the position.

that.

I must say one of the impressions I return to London with is

of the very strong feeling at the grass roots in Hong Kong on this

question of the boat people.

SALLY BLYTH (RADIO-TV HONG KONG):

I would just like to back to the question of political

reform. You said when you arrived here that the timing would be

within weeks. Can you say whether a decision will be made as soon

as the Plenary Session of the Basic Law Drafting Committee meeting

in London in February?

FOREIGN SECRETARY:

I cannot be definite about that. I have used the premise

"within weeks, I hope" and that remains the position.

QUESTION:

I do know that some local committee leaders seen very

disappointed because they were not given a chance of meeting you to

express their views on political structure, the boat people and the

like.