HONG KONG AND CHINA
We have to tread a tightrope in our dealings with the PRC over Hong Kong. We stay in close touch with them. We
seek to influence them. We have no wish to pick quarrels or complicate the transition to the eventual transfer of
power.
The constitutional arrangements for the start of the democratic process in Hong Kong next year showed that policy in action. We were much criticised by the Opposition and the press here for not breaking with the chinese on this point, but my r. h. f. for Chingford supported me on that occasion and I am clear that we were
right. But the House should not take it from that that between now and 1997 we simply listen to every view, from Peking, whether whispered or shouted, and then follow it.
We did not act in that way on the constitutional question - we shall not act in that way on the nationality question. We are using many means to persuade the Chinese of our good faith and good sense in putting forward this Bill, and I am hopeful that we shall bring them round to its merits once they see that a spoiling
exercise will not succeed. We have to act between now
and 1997 on the judgements which we as trustees for
Hong Kong make on what is best for Hong Kong, and the
House would not wish it otherwise.
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