TNAG-2047-FCO40-2917-Visits-by-staff-of-the-Department-of-Trade-and-Industry-to-H-1990 — Page 106

CONFIDENTIAL

Pace of Constitutional Development (Defensive Points)

Appreciate that the pace of democratisation as now mapped out is not as fast as some would have wished.

But key point is that what will be in place before 1997 will be able to survive and increase after 1997.

By 2003 50% of Legislative Council will be directly elected and by

2007 it could be 100%.

Vital now to ensure that 1991 elections are a success.

Hong Kong Air Services Separation (Defensive Points)

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HMG concerned at delays in Chinese consideration and

approval of separated texts.

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Have raised with Chinese on a number of occasions, including during Mr Maude's visit to Peking in July.

(if appropriate) Appreciate Swires' efforts to bring home to Chinese Government the adverse impact of these delays.

FABAMY/2

CONFIDENTIAL