TNAG-2709-FCO40-3915-House-of-Commons-Select-Committee-on-Foreign-Affairs-and-Par-1993 — Page 74

HKB 011/6

RECE

IN REGISTRY 06 APR 1993

PA

30 March 1993

REGISTRY Action Taken

Manis

34/3

Foreign & Commonwealth

Office

London SW1A 2AH

From The Secretary of State

HKJ

70

Dear Robert,

Thank you for your letter of 19 March. Like you, I am

concerned that, despite considerable efforts on our part,

we have been unable to persuade the Chinese to enter a

dialogue. However, I do not share your analysis of the reasons why. Of your three "explanations", the first two

are certainly not correct and, although I cannot speak for

China, I do not believe that your third choice accurately

reflects their position.

You should by now have received a copy of my letter of

24 March to colleagues, which explains the background to

the proposals which the Governor put to the Legislative

Council on 7 October. It also explains how the proposals

fit with the Joint Declaration and the Basic Law, and makes

clear that the exchange of letters I had with the Chinese

Foreign Minister in 1990 did not result in an understanding

between us on the 1995 elections.

You do not discount the intransigence of certain

people in Peking as a factor in our differences with China.

I wonder if you give it sufficient weight. I know that the

Chinese maintain that our proposals are in breach of

earlier agreements, but I am disappointed that you share

their view. It is not supported by the facts. We have

invited the Chinese to tell us where they believe our

proposals breach the Joint Declaration, or the Basic Law,

Robert Adley Esq MP