TNAG-2727-FCO40-3933-Hong-Kong-political-parties-Association-for-Democracy-and-Pe-1993 — Page 49

- As agreed with the Chinese Government, the content of these

talks is confidential, but their scope is already defined in

the announcement on 13 April.

- As you know our aim is to achieve an understanding with the

Chinese Government on arrangements for the 1994/95 elections which are open, fair and acceptable to the people of Hong Kong.

- We have had the benefit of LegCo members' views as expressed

in various debates in the past six months. We have also had views from various political groups and the general public, including those published in the compendium. We will continue to monitor closely public opinion, and to listen to members'

views in the weeks ahead.

- If an understanding is reached with the Chinese, we will recommend it to the people of Hong Kong and LegCo. It will be for LegCo, in exercising its constitutional role, to either

pass, amend or reject the relevant draft legislation.

Defensive

Hong Kong people should be consulted

Natural that people are anxious to know how talks are going,

but we should do everything we can to give the talks the best

chance of coming to a successful conclusion. Plainly it is not

sensible to negotiate half in public and half in private. But if and when an understanding is reached with the Chinese, we will share it with the community and LegCo.

- We hope the Chinese Government will listen carefully to all

shades of opinions in Hong Kong, and respect the wishes of the community.

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