TNAG-2771-FCO40-3988-Coverage-of-Sino-British-talks-in-the-Hong-Kong-press-1993 — Page 28

UNCLASSIFIED

065344

MDLIAN 0844

elections but that would depend on whether the British side would return to the 'three conformities'.

10. The SCMP (14.11) said the Prime Minister had written to Chinese Premier Li Peng in an appeal to break the deadlock over the talks. The paper said it was being delivered through BE Peking before the crucial 16th round.

11. The papers (15.11) accorded prominent coverage to the Governor's remarks on his return from the UK. Most noted the Governor did not confirm that the Prime Minister had written to Li Peng but said he would not be surprised if the two Governments had made further contacts after the Cabinet meeting.

12. Two NCNA HK Vice-Directors Zheng Guoxiong and Ulanmulun, in response to reports that the Governor could call off the talks, said (16.11) no third person other than Britain and China should have the right to make any decision.

13. The papers prominently reported (17.11) Qian Qichen confirmed that the Prime Minister had written to Li Peng calling for a faster pace in the talks. Qian said this was also China's wish. Speaking in Los Angeles Qian said China's stand was clear: the talks had to be based on the JD and BL. China did not have any new demands or new problems.

14. HK Affairs Adviser Tsui Tsin-tong after a meeting with Chinese Vice Premier Li Lanqing quoted (18.11) Li as saying the Chinese side stood firm no matter what attitude the British would take. Li said he hoped Britain would adopt a reasonable attitude so China could cooperate with Britain to maintain HK's prosperity and stability. Li was also quoted as saying it was difficult to separate economic and political matters.

Lu Ping

15. Lu Ping told a visiting delegation of HK printers (8.11) that if the British side tabled the Governor's package in Legco, it would mean the end of the talks. The Preparatory Working Committee would immediately speed up its work and study how the first SAR Legislature was to be returned in accordance with the BL. Lu was also quoted as saying the Bill of Rights which was above other HK Laws, violated the BL and had side effects. Whether it needed to be amended later would be in accordance to BL requirements.

3

PAGE UNCLASSIFIED