supp.PQ.rod
Governor has bent over backwards to get talks underway.
Only reasonable that representatives of the Hong Kong Government should participate in talks about future
political development of Hong Kong, on same basis as other
members of the team. This has been the norm for the past 10
years.
Chinese not consulted over Governor's proposals: China not
given face
Foreign Secretary gave advance briefing to Chinese Foreign
Minister in New York on 25 September. Governor also sent a message to Lu Ping going over the same ground. We made it
clear we wanted to discuss his proposals fully with the
Chinese side and that they were proposals, not firm
decisions.
- We have been pressing Chinese side to begin talks. Have
said that we would recommend any agreement we reached to the Legislative Council.
Understanding reached in the exchange of messages between
Foreign Secretary and Chinese Foreign Minister in early 1990?
No.
Documents make it clear that there was no secret deal.
We were prepared to agree in principle to the composition of the Election Committee, subject to a number of conditions.
The Chinese failed to meet the conditions of the offer. The
fact that they have since treated the composition of the
1995 Election Committee as a matter still to be decided
shows that they did not consider it as settled.
When will you next discuss Hong Kong with the Chinese Foreign
Minister?
- We have agreed with the Chinese Government that Foreign
Ministers should meet twice a year to discuss Hong Kong. Last met in September in New York. No arrangements yet made for next meeting.
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