TNAG-2732-FCO40-3938-Future-of-Hong-Kong-constitutional-development-1993 — Page 153

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Sub-Para 7(di)

"The

We suggest amending the first sentence to read: disadvantage of talks is primarily that it is very unlikely that we would be able to reach an acceptable understanding, given the gulf between arrangements which we could accept and the Chinese concept of the 1995 elections and the through train whereby they would be able to control the outcome at least in a proportion of the seats and throw people like Martin Lee off in 1997. * In the fourth sentence replace "no doubt" by "probably". Replace the final sentence to read: "We would therefore face a

dilemma, probably in late May. Either we would have to proceed with talks and allow the LegCo timetable to alip well into the autumn (possibly linked to an attempt to decouple the legislation for the 1994 District and Municipal Board elections from the 1995 LegCo arrangements); or precipitate a breakdown, and dash the expectations which would have built up in Hong Kong while talks were taking place."

Sub-Para 7(iii)

This sub-paragraph might bring out that it would be easier for LagCo to amend our proposals in a which is closer to the Chinese thinking than for us substantially to water down our proposals in with the Chinese. The latter route could cost liberal support in LegCo, and may leave a bitter after-taste affecting the liberals' attitude to other government policies, without gaining us any lasting kudos with the conservatives.

Sub-Para 7(iv)

us

our

We suggest amending the fourth sentence to read: "China could continue to withhold cooperation in the JLG, the Airport Committee and extend this to other areas (e.g. the Land Commission), although there are constraints on China adopting a totally uncooperative attitude (MFN, GATT, the Olympics, the economic benefits which China derives from Hong Kong and their promise to maintain Hong Kong's prosperity)."

Paragraph 8

It

"An irrevocable parting of the ways" in the second sentence needs explaining at the very least. cannot be a watertight assumption, at least for the whole period 1993-97.

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