TNAG-2450-FCO40-3567-Future-of-Hong-Kong-constitutional-development-1992 — Page 96

pm.bilat/CONST/njc

CONFIDENTIAL

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SECRETARY OF STATE'S BILATERAL WITH PRIME MINISTER: 9 SEPTEMBER 1992

Hong Kong constitutional developments

(a) Proposed timetable:

11 September: minute to PM and OPD(K) colleagues with proposals

(15 September: OPD (K) meeting ?)

25 September: meeting with Qian Qichen in New York general briefing; HMA Peking

gives Lu Ping message from Governor

7 October:

Governor addresses LegCo

12-14 October:

Governor visits Peking

Thank you

Re

16-20 November: Governor visits London

(b) Arguments against OPD (K) meeting:

Mr Patten should attend (eg to show that he is at the centre of decision-making) but it would cause difficulties with ExCo for him to do so without first consulting them on the issues which would cause leaks.

-The issues do not directly involve other Departments' interests: we do not believe that Mr Patten's proposals would increase the risk of our defence or financial contingent liabilities becoming real.

- The proposals are for a refinement of present policy, which should make it more acceptable in Hong Kong and at Westminster, rather than a radical change of course.

Bab, if in wants collcopes? endorsement of What any be onhoversial domestically, as well

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CONFIDENTIAL