TNAG-2209-FCO40-3169-Future-of-Hong-Kong-principal-officials-1991 — Page 67

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PS/Lord Caithness

SECRET

B

3

22 NOV 1991

From:

Sir John Coles

Date:

22 November 1991

Cc:

Mr Burns

Mr Ricketts, HKD

DISCUSSIONS WITH CHINESE ON PRINCIPAL OFFICIALS

2

1. I agree with Mr Burns (his minute of 22 November). Indeed, I would go rather further. I believe we should reserve for an entirely separate decision the matter of when discussions with the Chinese about the appointment of senior officials should begin. We have quite enough controversial issues on the agenda to be going on with. We do not want to have wrangles continuing for over five years if we can avoid it.

2. I am sure that we should do nothing until after the UK elections and I believe we shall need compelling reasons if we are to start discussions any time in 1992. This will be a crucial matter for confidence in Hong Kong and I think we need a much more settled relationship between the Hong Kong Government and Legco before we embark on it.

Sir John Coles

fle holes.

NOVABH

SECRET