TNAG-2771-FCO40-3988-Coverage-of-Sino-British-talks-in-the-Hong-Kong-press-1993 — Page 17

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two sides could still talk so long as the Bill was not tabled. However, the talks would break off if the Bill, whether a full or partial version, was tabled.

20. The papers (3.12) accorded prominent coverage to the Governor's announcement in Legco that a partial bill would be gazetted on 10 December and tabled in LegCo on 15 December. The Bill would cover Lowering the voting age to 18, adopting the 'single seat, single vote' system in the three-tier elections, abolition of appointed DB and municipal council seats and allowing HK residents who were NPC delegates to take part in the three-tier elections. The Governor said despite the limited progress made so far it was hoped the talks would continue so that the two sides could resolve the outstanding differences. Beginning the Legislation on the simple issues gave a little more time to do that.

The Prime Minister had proposed an intensive effort to resolve the remaining issues and he hoped the Chinese would respond positively. The British side had proposed dates for an 18th round and were awaiting a Chinese reply. The Governor said everyone, including the Chinese side, knew there were real time constraints. The papers noted the FCO, the Foreign Secretary and the Prime Minister's Office were in support of the Governor.

21. Wen Wai Po (3.12) quoted a Chinese source in Peking as saying the setting of dates for the 18th round by the British side was only a gesture. The Chinese side would not fall into the trap. The source said it had been apparent to the Chinese side in the 16th round that the British side were trying to find reasons to break off the talks and indicated the 17th round would be the last chance if the two sides were to reach an agreement on the 1994 electoral arrangements.

22. Sing Tao Daily (3.12) Learned that the Secretary of State had passed a message to Qian Qichen that the HKG, because of tight timing, needed to table a partial Bill to LegCo, but the British side hoped to continue to discuss with the Chinese side the controversial issues on the 1995 elections. Qian had responded earlier this week. The British considered the Chinese response indicated the future of the talks was not optimistic.

23. The papers (3.12) in prominent coverage quoted Lu Ping as saying he regretted the tabling of the bill. Lu said the British side were responsible for the suspension of the talks and he had expected this British move. Lu said the Governor was trying to

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