HONG KONG
CONFIDENTIAL
ExCo decided to put forward the Governor's proposals to LegCo without amendment. They plan to publish a Bill on
12 February and introduce it into LegCo on 17 February.
Held back public announcement of this to give Robin
McLaren chance to renew to the Chinese our offer to
talk.
He did so last week. I have also sent Chinese Foreign Minister a message together with a copy of the draft Bill. Emphasised that LegCo debate likely to be lengthy: and we stand ready to talk.
Chinese have so far avoided a clear response. If they were waiting to see what came from Lord Sterling channel, will now know we have disengaged.
They could still agree to talks provided we do not table legislation. Tactically clever: many in ExCo would be attracted. Rejecting this would be unpopular in Hong Kong and could be a pretext for further Chinese measures against Hong Kong.
Would need to see terms of any Chinese proposal. Also want to be clearer on prospects before arranging next meeting with the Chinese Foreign Minister. Chinese should
not feel that they can appeal to us over the Governor's
head.
CONFIDENTIAL
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.