TNAG-2781-FCO40-4000-Future-of-Hong-Kong-constitutional-development-Chinese-reac-1993 — Page 90

5.9.93

5.9.93

6.9.93

7.9.93

CONFIDENTIAL

-

16

Qian Qichen to a visiting LDF delegation in Peking

Chinese

representative Jiang Enzhu

before first day of the 10th

round of talks

Chinese sources quoted by ATV and Sing Pao

Chinese sources quoted by Sing Pao

At my meeting with Douglas Hurd in September, our principle has been very clear, that is to abide by the "three conformities". This covers a number of concrete matters. It may take time to find common ground and resolve differences. However, with sincerity, finding a solution should not be a problem.

The Chinese side hopes that a breakthrough can be made at the talks. The Chinese side has always believed that the talks will yield fruit by adhering to the "three conformities". HK must maintain its executive-led system, which is enshrined in the BL.

(On the British side's comments that working out the 1994/95 electoral arrangements will take time) Arrangements for the HK elections are not as complicated as those for US presidential elections and should not take much time. Therefore the talks should not be difficult. The problem now is that although the British side has agreed to conducting the talks in accordance with the "three conformities", it has also raised its own proposals. This means that the two sides has not even reached consensus on matters of principle. This state of the talks, however, has been anticipated by the Chinese side.

The British side is trying to split up the Patten package and fit the parts into a system based on the BL. This is definitely not feasible. The Chinese side is more patient than the British side and will not speed up the pace of the talks until the obstructions are cleared.

CONFIDENTIAL

Page 90Page 91