TNAG-2452-FCO40-3569-Future-of-Hong-Kong-constitutional-development-1992 — Page 160

CONFIDENTIAL

SECRETARY OF STATE'S OFFICE MEETING ON HONG KONG : 16 NOVEMBER

1.

Governor's account of Hong Kong opinion;

prospects for maintaining support in LegCo;

-

resilience of business community;

2.

handling of calls for referendum.

Chinese attitude and strategy (separate JIC note gives background). Key points :

what lies behind harshness of Chinese response?

short term pressures on LegCo members, business community;

likelihood of longer-term harassment if LegCo endorses Governor's proposals?

attitude to cooperation in other fields (airport, JLG, illegal immigration, military sabre rattling, British commercial interests in Hong Kong and in China);

3. Implications for policy:

line for Zhu Rongji;

what changes to the Governor's proposals are conceivable on the basis of proposals from groups in Hong Kong? (Composition of election committee, functional constituencies?);

timing of any changes (before submission to LegCo, or during LegCo consideration?);

Any

handling of Chinese. How can we bring them back into dialogue while maintaining the integrity of our position? more we can do to prevent entirely sterile discussion at JLG? Timing and content of a meeting between the Secretary of State and Qian, Possible carrot of Li Peng visit to London?

international dimension: HMG/HKG lobbying of Clinton Administration. Governor's visit to the US.

agenda.VISITS.kr

CONFIDENTIAL

Sofs Meehag

ON

HK:

16 NOV