TNAG-2709-FCO40-3915-House-of-Commons-Select-Committee-on-Foreign-Affairs-and-Par-1993 — Page 72

judgement, provided that it is consistent with our international obligations: we are not willing to press the people of Hong Kong to go further than they wish, nor to deny them the scope for greater democracy consistent with the Basic Law and the Joint Declaration. The key point is that the electoral arrangements in Hong Kong should be fair, open and acceptable to the people of Hong Kong.

It is disappointing to see that China has responded to the publication of the Governor's proposals with a further round of threats. That is not the way to resolve the

differences between us. China has both interests and

responsibilities as the future sovereign power. We will continue to work calmly for cooperation with China to ensure the future success of Hong Kong.

PP.

Yours sincerely,

Stephn Smith

DOUGLAS HURD

(Approved by the Foreign Secretary and signed by the Private Secretary in his absence abroad)