TNAG-2718-FCO40-3924-Hong-Kong-electoral-provisions-and-arrangements-1993 — Page 146

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MDADAN & 8

DEPLOY IF THE CHINESE PRESS ON WHY WE DID NOT DELAY OR WITHDRAW THE BILL IN RESPONSE TO JIANG ENZHU'S REPRESENTATION. ON THE BASIS OF PAST LEGAL ADVICE, WE BELIEVE THAT HKG CANNOT AT THIS LATE STAGE INFLUENCE THE TIMING OF THE BILL'S PASSAGE, WHICH IS ENTIRELY IN LEGCO'S HANDS. BUT WE ARE DOUBLE-CHECKING THIS WITH OUR LEGAL ADVISERS AND WILL REVERT AS SOON AS POSSIBLE TOMORROW (25 MAY).

PATTEN

YYYY

DISTRIBUTION

211

ADVANCE

.HK POLICY

PS

PS/MR GOODLAD

SIR J COLES

MR HUM

HKD//HD

FED//HD

LEGAL ADVISERS//MS BROOKS PS/PM

CAOFF//SIR R BRAITHWAITE (DIO)

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