TNAG-2608-FCO40-3799-International-support-from-the-USA-regarding-the-future-of-H-1992 — Page 23

CONFIDENTIAL

HID

Thank you.

L.

(38

23

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27/4

SIR JOHN COLES' MEETING WITH AMBASSADOR MA, 23 APRIL

HKD 021/2

THE MCCONNELL BILL

RECE

27 APR 1992

Points to Make

ISTRY

ря

- We have been monitoring progress of the Bill.

not encouraged it.

But we have

We

- Nor have we adopted an attitude of tacit acceptance.

have let US Administration and members of Congress know of

our concern.

But there is a limit on what we can do to influence the

legislature of another sovereign state. We cannot be seen to be interfering in the internal affairs of another

country.

-

Bill seeks to harness congressional interest in Hong Kong

in a way that is meant to be helpful. Any attempt publicly to criticise the Bill would be counterproductive. It would focus attention on the Bill and fuel the suspicions of those in Congress who are not friends of China.

- Natural that those with a major economic stake in

Hong Kong such as the US should take an interest in

developments there. Should not see that as negative.

Believe Senator McConnell's intentions are good. Note he

voted for MFN renewal.

- Aware of your concern about reporting requirement on

implementation of the JD. Believe that this is also understood by the US Administration who are discussing it

with Congress.

JH2ACN/3

CONFIDENTIAL