We want to achieve as much continuity as possible for
Hong Kong in 1997. It therefore makes sense to discuss
these issues with the Chinese Government with the aim of
reaching an understanding with them. We have been trying
to arrange talks for several months. We received a positive response on the principle of talks from the Chinese side in early February. You might find it useful
to know the basis on which we were prepared to hold them.
First, we accepted that the talks should be on the
basis of the Joint Declaration, the principle of
convergence with the Basic Law and the relevant understandings and agreements reached between Britain and China. The Governor's proposals are wholly compatible with
these.
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Second we told the Chinese side that the British team
in these discussions would include representatives of the Hong Kong Government on the same basis as other officials taking part in the talks. Hong Kong officials have participated over the last ten years in discussions with
the Chinese side as members of the British team, including
during the negotiations on the Joint Declaration and subsequently as members of the Joint Liaison Group. We cannot and do not accept what some Chinese officials have
said in the last few days that the role of people from Hong Kong should be downgraded in discussions about Hong
Kong's future.
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To help get talks started, we and the Governor therefore decided, with the advice of the Executive Council
in Hong Kong, to postpone the original plan to publish the draft electoral legislation in Hong Kong's Official Gazette
on 12 February. As the diplomatic contacts proceeded, we
held up publication for four further weeks. But we told
the Chinese side that it was not possible to delay
indefinitely, given the need to pass legislation before the Legislative Council rose for its summer recess in July.
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Private notes are available after approval.