TNAG-2714-FCO40-3920-House-of-Commons-Select-Committee-on-Foreign-Affairs-enquiry-1993 — Page 161

understandings and agreements reached between China and Britain, and that we considered the Governor's proposals to be wholly compatible with these. We also said that, in any talks, the British team would include the necessary Hong Kong Government officials, on the same basis as other officials from London and Peking. This is consistent with the practice followed in discussion between Britain and China for over a decade, including the negotiations on the Joint Declaration and in the JLG.

21.

Meanwhile the Hong Kong Government introduced into the Legislative Council in February the Boundaries and Election Commission Bill. The Executive Council endorsed on 2 February draft legislation embodying the remainder of the Governor's constitutional proposals. We passed a copy of it to the Chinese side on 6 February. While contacts with the Chinese side were continuing, the Governor, in consultation with Ministers and with the advice of the Executive Council, decided to postpone the original plan to publish draft legislation embodying the remainder of his proposals on 12 February. However, we made it clear to the Chinese Government that there could not be an indefinite delay, given the practical need to enact legislation before the end of the present session of the Legislative Council, so that the

1994/95 elections could be held on schedule. The Governor decided

to postpone publication on three further occasions, on 19 and 26 February, and 5 March. But despite our best endeavours, it has

not yet proved possible to agree with the Chinese side on

arrangements for the talks. The Governor therefore published draft legislation on 12 March embodying his remaining electoral

proposals.

22.

Introduction of the Bill into the Legislative Council is a separate step. The timing of this will need to be decided in the light of developments. Publication of the draft legislation

should not make it more difficult to hold talks. We have made it clear to the Chinese Government that if it was possible to reach

select.cttee.PR.JRB

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