TNAG-2734-FCO40-3942-Hong-Kong-role-of-the-Legislative-Council-(LEGCO)-1993 — Page 91

GOVENNT HOUSE HONG KONG.

FRI 12 MAR 93 07:01

PG.16

RESTRICTED

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We have also made it quite clear to the Chinese side that if talks are to take place this should

be revealed publicly.

It is usual in international discussions for

agreements or understandings to be referred to legislatures at the end of the discussions. If talks take place, we will of course recommend any understandings reached between the two sides to the Legislative Council. It will be for this Council to enact legislation for the 1994/95

elections. This constitutional reality alone

means that there can be no repeat no deals or understandings with the Chinese side.

J

secret

While any discussions were taking place, however, the details would remain confidential.

I am sure that Members will understand that it is not possible to conduct discussions of this kind under the glare of media attention.

Q18 Will you publish the letter from the Foreign

Secretary to Qian Qichen?

A18 No plans to do so.

Q19 Why not?

A19

If Foreign Ministers had to make public everything they said to each other, frank discussions would

become impossible.

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