CODE 18-77
CONFIDENTIAL
Reference...
5. I think we should:
(a) agree to its inclusion on the JLG agenda, if the Chinese want it, but we should insist on discussion in March: cannot wait until June; and
(b) we should make clear that we cannot accept a Chinese veto
on HMG's opening consultations with members of
6.
Her Majesty's service (such discussions are not a matter for interference by a foreign government), but, to keep the temperature down, we should not open the consultations until after the 24-26 March JLG. think we can let the HMOCS Association know on 26 March that we shall be doing so before Easter).
(But I
As Mr Galsworthy points out consultation does not mean allowing the Chinese a veto. We must see HMOCS right, whatever the difficulties with the Chinese (or cold feet in ExCo). But we must also stand by the Prime Minister's commitment "to take Chinese views into account whenever possible". This means that we must give the Chinese a reasonable time to express their views and, if they do express views, must then at least spend a reasonable time considering them before announcing our decisions. If we are announcing a decision which we know the Chinese will not like we should also have a defensive line on why, in our view, they do not damage the SAR's interests. (The Prime Minister said, in our ingenious phrase: "There should be no room for doubt that the interests of the future Hong Kong SAR will be fully safeguarded").
Notes.
N J COX
Hong Kong Department
WH 302
270 2650
13 March 1992
cc: Mr Davies, FED
Mr Wye, RAD
Mr Bunten
SISABT
CONFIDENTIAL
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