TNAG-2766-FCO40-3983-Hong-Kong-and-the-media-interviews--press-briefings-and-the--1993 — Page 34

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28. What is your reading of the

reading of the state of opinion in parliament on developments in Hongkong? What purpose do you

believe a House of Commons debate on the issue will serve?

29. What is your assessment of the state of public opinion in Hongkong on the political dispute?

30. How do you react to opinion polls showing a decline in support for the Governor's constitutional reform package?

31. Is seeking an increase in the number of directly-elected seats in 1995 a high priority for the British government? Will you continue to raise the matter with Qian at future meetings? Is the issue regarded as an alternative, or as complimenting, the Governor's proposals?

32.

How do you explain your comment on the BBC in mid- November that "we are content with the

the figure of 20 directly-elected seats"?

33. Would the British government support a unilateral increase in the number of directly-elected seats in 1995 above 20, were this to be passed by the legislative council? 34. In the 1990 diplomatic exchanges you suggest Britain might "make every effort to encourage people of moderate views, including those in the business community, to play an active part in the political life of the territory". Does that remain British policy today?

IF SO, what steps have been taken?

35. What was the purpose of your reference to "moderate sensible opinion" in those exchanges? How do you react to liberal legislators, now supporting the Governor's political reform proposals, who see this as an insult directed at them?

36. With hindsight, would you have worded any of those diplomatic exchanges differently?

37. Is Britain prepared to revise the offer it made to members of Her Majesty's Overseas Civil Servants in Hongkong last year, given that it has been rejected by their representatives in the territory as inadequate?

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