TNAG-2781-FCO40-4000-Future-of-Hong-Kong-constitutional-development-Chinese-reac-1993 — Page 45

19.9.93

19.9.93

21.9.93

21.9.93

HKMAO spokesman quoted in CNS dispatch

Siu Cho in Wen

Wei Po

NCNA HK Director

Zhou Nan to

reporters at a book-launching reception

NCNA HK Vice-

Director Zhu Yucheng at a reception

CONFIDENTIAL

8

Mr Patten's remarks on tabling the reform Bill, made on the eve of the 12th round, shows that he does not want an agreement to be reached on the basis of the "three conformities". The Chinese side has always been sincere and hopes that the talks will eventually lead to an agreement. This is conducive to HK's smooth transition and is what HK people want. The slow progress is caused by the British side's insistence on Mr Patten's "three violations" package. Britain should be held responsible if an agreement cannot be worked out.

It seems that it is unavoidable that there will be political upheavals towards the end of the year. Mr Patten cannot escape responsibility for initiating the

"combative" approach demonstrated by Sir David Ford and Michael Sze and supported by people like Martin Lee. The British are attempting to extend their rule here, turn HK into a political city and challenge Sino-British cooperation during the transition.

(On Mr Patten's remarks on tabling the reform package in Legco) I will not add anything to the HKMAO's comments. I hope progress can be made at each and every round of talks.

I hope the ministerial meeting will help make progress. The Chinese side still hopes that an agreement will be reached on the basis of the "three conformities". Whether there will be a breakthrough depends on the British side, which is still "going over old grounds".

CONFIDENTIAL

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