TNAG-2608-FCO40-3799-International-support-from-the-USA-regarding-the-future-of-H-1992 — Page 132

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SIR P CRADOCK'S VISIT TO WASHINGTON: 2-5 MARCH 1992

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References A: Mr Ricketts' submission of 7 February

B: FCO Telno 157 to Washington

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bill.

See McConnell.

The McConnell Bill

- After a visit to Hong Kong last year, Senator McConnell

introduced a Bill designed to bolster Hong Kong's autonomy

under the Joint Declaration. The Bill is well-intentioned,

and largely a reiteration of the JD. But it includes more sensitive points, eg a provision for annual reports on JD implementation. The Chinese are suspicious that it is an

attempt to internationalise the Hong Kong problem. Ambassador Ma saw Lord Caithness on 10 February and urged HMG to speak out against it. The Embassy in Washington cannot predict whether, or when, the Bill will become law.

But they warn that such a public statement would be damaging

with the Administration. It would also expose us to the

accusation of kowtowing to the Chinese. We have therefore

decided to avoid high-profile lobbying on the Hill but

quietly to let the Administration and trusted congressional

contacts know of the points which concern us in the Bill. The Embassy has this in hand.

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/China's MFN Status