TNAG-2450-FCO40-3567-Future-of-Hong-Kong-constitutional-development-1992 — Page 107

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LegCo in 1997. That would be most unsettling in Hong Kong.

Whatever the final outcome, we are likely to face several months of difficult discussions accompanied by a Chinese propaganda offensive. That might further delay agreement on the airport, although Chinese efforts to link the airport to political developments have not gone down well in Hong Kong, and there are recent signs that they may be re-thinking their approach. So we may still be able to get the airport agreed while discussing the constitutional points with China.

The

I plan to give the Chinese Foreign Minister a broad outline of the proposals when I see him in New York on 25 September. Governor will be going to Peking shortly after his LegCo address in order to explain his ideas in person to the Chinese leadership.

My conclusion is that the Governor's proposals represent a skilful balance in the face of conflicting pressures. I consider that they provide a robust basis on which to press ahead with democratic development in Hong Kong in a way which does not cut across the Basic Law. I support his approach.

were

I believe (subject to your views) that we do not need a meeting of OPD (K) to consider these issues. If there was to be a meeting, the Governor would naturally feel that he had to

attend. But a visit to London at this time would cause an immense amount of speculation, both in Hong Kong and Peking. It would also put the Governor in a difficult position in relation to his Executive Council, since he would not be able to inform them in advance (as is customary) of the proposals he would be putting to the Committee. In these circumstances,

the Governor might well judge that he would not be able to attend a meeting; but it would be far from ideal to hold one without his presence. I therefore hope that it will be

honkoncondev.con.be

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