PS
1
AKD 021/2
RESTRICTED
202 8984255
109%
FROM: 5 D Pattison
DATE: 14 April 1992
MCCONNELL BILL: US/HK POLICY ACT
1. You asked for briefing for the Ambassador's meeting with Congressman Solarz on 18 April.
Points to Make
2. The Ambassador might like to make the following points:
Welcome your interest in Hong Kong.
maintain confidence in Hong Kong up to and after 1997.
Important to
Much of the McConnell Bill (and its Congressional equivalent, the Porter Bill) is unobjectionable. It mirrors the language of the Joint Declaration, and establishes the necessary legal framework for the US to continue to treat Hong Kong as a separate entity after 1997.
But the Bill infuriates the Chinese. They see it as unwarranted interference by a third country in Chinese/British affairs. To them it is another example of Congressional China
bashing.
Anything which annoys the Chinese is, frankly, unlikely to make them more cooperative with us in the delicate negotiations on transfer of sovereignty between now and 1997.
fur
not
We have not lobbied strenuously against the Bill least for fear of provoking criticism in Hong Kong. But we have made known to the Administration and to others (including Solarz's Staffers) - that we have doubts about the Bill. For example, the requirement that the Administration present an annual report to Congress on implementation of the Joint Declaration could complicate our negotiations with the Chinese. The Joint Declaration is, after all, a bilateral agreement. It would be unfortunate if it were to become hostage to US Congressional politics.
we have also made a number of detailed comments on the draft, particularly to clarify whether the Bill deals with post-1997 only, clarification of Hong Kong's existing (i.e. pre-1997) autonomy, and unhelpful suggestions that the US should wait until 1997 before concluding agreements with Hong Kong. detailed points attached).
(See
LA MAGNITUD TAN
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.