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Boards
has been implemented.
far,
But all the rest remain, so
unimplemented and are the subject of discussions with
the Chinese Government.
162.
I explained last year why it was necessary to
discuss these proposals with China. It is clear that our
community wants fair, open elections. It is also clear that
the
community wants continuity after 1997. People naturally
want to be confident that the Members they elect in 1995 may
expect to serve a full four-year term in this Council. That
is why I said last year that my proposals would require
serious discussion with Peking; and why I made it plain that
they were proposals, not final decisions. From the outset,
we were prepared for a serious negotiation.
163.
In the event it took many months to get talks
underway. There have now been twelve rounds, the British
Leam being very ably led by the Ambassador in Peking,
Robin McLaren, and including members of my
Sir
administration.
It is a matter of regret that I am not yet
able to report agreement on any of the matters covered by my
proposals.
164.
The negotiators have agreed that the content of
their talks shall be confidential, and I shall not breach
that understanding.
But Members of this Council have a
right to know about the British approach to the talks and
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