TNAG-2781-FCO40-4000-Future-of-Hong-Kong-constitutional-development-Chinese-reac-1993 — Page 44

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Kwan Chiu in Ta Kung Pao

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Nam Ngan in Ta Kung Pao

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HKMAO Vice-

Director Chen Ziying to a visiting Islands DB delegation in Peking

CONFIDENTIAL

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The British side is stressing that they have made "two-front" preparations. But it is in fact working only on one front, i.e. to sabotage the talks, do away with the agreement and create chaos in HK. Therefore, in its two-front preparations, the Chinese side has set up the PWC and appointed HK affairs advisers to ensure HK's stability, prosperity and smooth transition. If the two sides adhere to the

"three conformities", there is no need for "two-front preparations" on either side.

Sir Robin McLaren said on September 12 that he was one with Mr Patten and that the Patten package was still the basis of the British position. Now people can see clearly that the British side's insistence on Mr Patten's "three violations" package is the reason for the lack of progress in the talks.

If the Governor tables the reform Bill in Legco before an agreement is reached in the talks, any person can come up with the logical answer on what consequences this may bring. The Chinese side is sincere and is working positively towards making the talks yield fruit. According to the BL, the work of regional bodies will be strengthened after 1997. It would be more practical to retain some appointed DB

seats.

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17.9.93

Assistant to the

Director of NCNA

HK, Lee Wai- ting, to reporters after a meeting of local NPC delegates

Zhang Junsheng to reporters at a China's National Day

preparatory committee meeting

If the Governor tabled his package in Legco, it would show that the British side had no sincerity about continuing the talks and it must be held responsible for this. The Chinese side has every right and reason to overturn arrangements that are not in line with the BL in 1997.

If the Governor insists on his original proposals, or if he makes cosmetic amendments without changing his fundamental position, it will be difficult for a deal to be struck. But if he takes into account the interests of Britain and HK people and return to the "three conformities", it will be easy to reach an agreement.

CONFIDENTIAL