TNAG-2608-FCO40-3799-International-support-from-the-USA-regarding-the-future-of-H-1992 — Page 122

CONFIDENTIAL

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SECRETARY OF STATE'S MEETING WITH QIAN QICHEN, 9 MARCH 1992

THE MCCONNELL BILL

DEFENSIVE

Objectives (if raised):-

1. To allay Chinese suspicion of British complicity in the

McConnell Bill.

2.

To urge that a low key response will be in everyone's

best interest.

Points to Make

-

Understand that while the Bill is gathering momentum its

prospects are not yet clear.

Would not have sought this Bill

well as you.

concern.

puts pressure on us as

Have let US Administration know of our

-

but difficult to object publicly: much of the Bill echoes

the Joint Declaration: and encourages its smooth

implementation. Also focuses congressional interest in

Hong Kong in a way that is meant to be helpful.

Better to wait and see what final text looks like in

congress before deciding how to react. But danger that overreaction could annoy congress and strengthen opposition

to MFN renewal.

JH2ACN/1

JRB

CONFIDENTIAL