TNAG-2768-FCO40-3985-Hong-Kong-and-the-media-interviews--press-briefings-and-the--1993 — Page 150

SECRETARY OF STATE'S INTERVIEW WITH JONATHAN DIMBLEBY, 28 APRIL

HONG KONG

RELATIONS WITH CHINA OVER HONG KONG

General

- We remain committed to good cooperation with China on the

basis of the Joint Declaration.

transition in Hong Kong.

policy towards Hong Kong.

Aim remains a smooth

There has been no change in our

The reaction of the Chinese Government to the Governor's modest proposals has been disproportionate. We briefed the Chinese on them beforehand, making it clear they were proposals, not final decisions.

Talks

- Pleased that we have been able to hold talks with the Chinese

on the electoral arrangements for the 1994/95 elections. We and the Governor have made plain since October that we wished to discuss with the Chinese side the proposals which the Governor put forward with our full support. Our aim in the talks will be to reach an understanding with China on

arrangements to ensure that the elections in 1994 and 1995 are fair, open and acceptable to the people of Hong Kong. If that proves possible, we and the Governor will recommend the

outcome to the Legislative Council.

First round of talks (22-24 April) went smoothly. As expected Chinese tried to get us to agree to their interpretation of the basis of the talks (compatibility with JD, convergence with BL, consistency with agreements and understandings previously reached). Atmosphere good, but need to see how things go when we get down to details.

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