TNAG-2708-FCO40-3914-House-of-Commons-Select-Committee-on-Foreign-Affairs-and-Par-1993 — Page 16

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Pirate Soveting

SECRET

HKB 011/6

RECENSO INGAISTRY

19 MAR 1993

DESK OFFICA

INDEX

The minister is content with the draft latter. The timing of its issue will, however, cleary depend on when we announce our talks wit the Chinese ( no carier than 18 feomary now).

Mr Hum

PS/Mr Goodlad

6.5. Aurey 13/2

Am 16%

inter

Aus

Private Secretary

PA

1.4. Rels w. Parl Surety & State

36

FROM: J Morris

priva

Hong Kong Dept

DATE: 16 February 1993

CC:

1712.

Sir J Coles

Mr Bickham

Special Advisers

Mr Ricketts

Mr Davies, FED Mr Wye, RAD

Connects incorporated

HONG KONG: DEAR COLLEAGUE LETTER FROM THE SECRETARY OF STATE

1.

98

Michael Colvin MP suggested to the Secretary of State that he might send a "Dear Colleague" letter rebutting the Chinese arguments that the Governor's constitutional proposals are in violation of the Joint Declaration, Basic Law and the 1991 exchange of letters.

2.

Since then the game has moved on. We should shortly begin discussions with the Chinese on the Governor's proposals. Some Members of Parliament may believe that this represents, or may lead to, concessions on our part. I therefore recommend that the Secretary of State's Dear Colleague letter should focus on these discussions. I submit a draft (and a proposed list of recipients) which is being cleared with the Governor overnight.

3.

Mr Colvin has also written to Mr Goodlad making the same points. We shall shortly submit a reply for Mr Goodlad's signature setting out the reasons why the Governor's proposals are consistent with the Joint Declaration and the Basic Law.

Jchani

J Morris

몽

$

SECRET