LE ROLẲNG STAPTEK
MED 29 SEP 98 17:28
PG.02
SECRET
TL
The Chinese will read the section on constitutional development with particularly close attention. What the Governor says in this section is likely to have a direct impact on our chances of making progress in the talks. is for the Governor to judge how much he needs to say in order to preserve his credibility locally. But from my point of view there are points in the present draft that likely to make our task in the talks more difficult. he message that comes across in paras 161 and 162 is that apart from the ones on functional constituencies and the election committee all his 1992 proposals are still on the table and that we are discussing them with the Chinese. This is of course the case, and the Governor will not want to convey the impression that he has modified, or is considering modifying all his proposals. But by spelling out the 1992 proposals yet again, saying that all but two of them "are the subject of discussion with the Chinese Government" (para 162), and stating unequivocally that "in all other respects the proposals are the same" (para 165) we are rubbing Chinese noses in it. I wonder if the Governor would be prepared to consider a more abbreviated presentation, making some of the points in less explicit fashion. If he wished I would be happy to suggest a draft.
5.
My detailed points are attached.
CC PF Ricketts Esq, HKD, FCO
SECRET
Your ever,
Robin McLaren
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