TNAG-2711-FCO40-3917-House-of-Commons-Select-Committee-on-Foreign-Affairs-and-Par-1993 — Page 158

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C159 011/6

PRIME MINISTER'S QUESTION TIME: 21 OCTOBER

HONG KONG

Line to Take

Governor should not have watered down his original proposals

There has been no change in our objective of fair and open elections acceptable to the people of Hong Kong. are working for success_in the talks with China.

But

we will not make concessions which would put our principles at risk.

Should not have unnecessary rows with Chinese affecting British business interests. - Essential for Hong Kong's economic success that its way of life and legal system are maintained after 1997. Key part of that is to have a Legislative Council elected openly and fairly. The people of Hong Kong deserve no less.

-

Deng Xiaoping's 1982

statement about early

takeover in case of turmoil.

Statement predates the

Joint Declaration which

commits the Chinese

Government to supporting

We

British administration of Hong Kong up to 1997.

Hong Kong is a very stable place.

Has the Governor made a concession by agreeing to discuss 1994 elections separately from 1995 elections? - If the Chinese accepted the proposals we have made on the 1994 elections, we would welcome this. We see no purpose in a lengthy discussion of the 1994 elections alone.

Múlis 01116

RECE

TRY

210. 1973

STEY