TNAG-2769-FCO40-3986-Hong-Kong-and-the-media-interviews--press-briefings-and-the--1994 — Page 22

The answer to this question affects the character of Hong Kong. As many right honourable and honourable Members know,

Hong Kong owes its success in large measure to the rule of law

supported by a clean and efficient administration. If that

asset is to be preserved in modern circumstances, the

territory needs an elected and credible legislature which can

stand up for its way of life.

That is why we believe that elections held under British administration in Hong Kong need to be fair, open and acceptable to the people of Hong Kong. On that basis, we have

made a concerted effort through seventeen rounds of talks to

reach agreement with China. I have discussed matters twice

with the Chinese Foreign Minister during this period. The Prime Minister sent a message to the Chinese Premier. We have offered to make important moves to accommodate Chinese views, without compromising our essential requirements, as part of an acceptable overall agreement.

1

We made plain from the outset that the talks could not continue indefinitely and that it must be for the Legislative Council to consider and pass the necessary legislation. This

will take time. Some 48 constitutional and electoral

instruments in Hong Kong are affected and may need amendment. All the primary legislation needs to be in place by July 1994. Some of the more important measures need to be on the statute

book by February.

When time began to press, we therefore explored fully the possibility of an interim agreement, which would enable us to get on with legislation on the more urgent issues, and gain a little more time to resolve the remainder with the Chinese.

I explained to the Chinese Foreign Minister in New York on 1 October that this aim would not be achieved by an interim

oralstatement25.11/BRIEFS/NJH