TNAG-2732-FCO40-3938-Future-of-Hong-Kong-constitutional-development-1993 — Page 99

dinhanh.4

1 April 1993

BY FAX

Martin Dinham Esq

Government House HONG KONG

SECRET

ка

Con, Dempt

(sen

Foreign & Commonwealth Office

104

HKB

012/1

RECEIVED IN REGISTRY

13 APR 1993

London SWIA 2AH

Telephone: 071-

DESK OFFICER

INDEX

PA

REGISTRY Action Taken

Martin,

HONG KONG:

1.

ISSUES AHEAD

Many thanks for the stimulating comments from all addressees on the first draft of this paper.

2. I now enclose a copy of the revised version which I have submitted to Ministers. I will ensure that the Governor's party have a copy on arrival here.

3.

It would obviously not have been possible to reconcile all the various views put forward. Indeed, the purpose of the paper is to stimulate discussion rather than gloss over differences. On the key difference of judgement whether it would be better to hold talks even if they have to be broken off, or not to hold them at all - I have therefore spelt out more clearly in the paper that there are different schools of thought on this. I have also incorporated the specific drafting changes where possible, while trying to preserve a fair presentation of the various points of view. I doubt that it is worth spending much more time on the paper itself: if it provokes discussion at the Secretary of State's meeting, it will have served its purpose.

4. I will aim to produce a one-page check-list of the main issues in advance of the Secretary of State's meeting and will ensure that Sir R McLaren and the Governor get copies well in advance.

PF Ricketts

yes ever

HONG KONG DEPARTMENT

CC:

Sir R McLaren KCMG

Petar.

A C Galsworthy Esq, CMG

SECRET