TNAG-2725-FCO40-3931-Hong-Kong-political-parties-Liberal-Party-1993 — Page 8

DRAFT LETTER FROM THE PRIME MINISTER

To: Mr Allen Lee

Leader, Liberal Party of Hong Kong

Thank you for your letter of 8 December about the

talks between Britain and China on electoral issues in

Hong Kong.

I share your frustration that it has not been possible

to reach agreement in these talks. That is not for want of

trying on the British side. We have done all we can to

bring them to a successful conclusion. I quite agree that

it is in the interests of the people of Hong Kong that

there should be cooperation between Britain and China in

order to secure a smooth transition.

I know that, as an experienced member of LegCo, you

will agree that it is important for LegCo to have adequate

time to consider the complex legislation needed for the

1994 and 1995 elections. That was a key factor in the

decision which we and the Governor took to introduce for

LegCo's consideration draft legislation on the most urgent

issues.

You ask Britain and China to return to the negotiating

table. As far as the British side is concerned, we have

never left the table. We want the talks to continue on the

remaining issues in the time gained by getting on with the

most urgent elements. We have proposed a further round of talks on 17/18 December. I regret to say that the Chinese side have not yet indicated that they are ready to join us

again at the table.

I have been taking a close personal interest in these

developments. I sent Premier Li Peng a message in November

proposing intensified efforts to reach an agreement.

We

will certainly continue to give high priority to this as

part of our offer to ensure full implementation of the

Joint Declaration and cooperation with China.

FROM:

RECE

01/11

INISTRY

15 DEC 1993

P FRicketts

Hong Kong Department

DATE: 13 December 1993

REGISTRY Action Taken

11

12

CC:

Mr Fry, FED

Pivate Secretary

The Minister

agrees.

Mr Hym

6.5. Drogis/.

M4 13/10

PS/Mr Goodlad Minister

Private Secretary

Ay 131.2.

A

HONG KONG: LETTER TO THE PRIME MINISTER FROM MR ALLEN LEE

1.

Hong Kong have sent us a copy of a letter from Allen Lee to the Prime Minister. We have not yet received the top copy from No 10. But the Governor has asked us to try to arrange an early and positive-sounding reply from the Prime Minister, given that Allen Lee has taken a generally helpful line recently on the first-stage legislation (he has, for example, seen off a suggestion from within his own party that a move be made to delay introduction of the legislation).

I submit a draft reply, cleared with the Governor, together with a draft covering letter to No 10.

2.

Zichett

PF Ricketts