TNAG-2785-FCO40-4004-Hong-Kong-UK-Parliamentary-and-other-interest-in-constitutio-1993 — Page 54

March 1993

The Rt. Hon. Lord Shawcross GBE QC

60 Victoria Embankment

LONDON EC4Y 0JP

INSID

for

the

debate

Thank you for your letter of 23 February.

It was good of you

to report your discussions with' the Chinese Ambassador.

We have tried hard in recent weeks to agree with the Chinese -side a basis for talks on the 1994/95 elections in Hong Kong.

We delayed publication of the Governor's draft legislation for

Floweve five weeks while these contacts continued. But we told the

Whenian Chinese side that we could not delay indefinitely. By 12 March, the Chinese side had still not agreed to a date for talks the Governor and ExCo therefore decided, with our support, to publish his/ draft legislation. Introduction into the draft

LegCo would be a separate step. We will need to decide the timing of that in the light of developments.

None of this changes the need for talks between Britain and China. We remain ready to hold such discussions on the basis of the Joint Declaration, the Basic Law and the relevant agreements and understandings reached between Britain and China. We believe that the Governor's proposals are consistent with all these.

I am prepared to have another meeting with my Chinese opposite number. But I would want such a meeting to be productive, and I do not think that the timing is yet right.

Lord

I suggest that Erie Roll makes contact with Alastair Goodlad, who has special responsibility for Hong Kong. He would, I know, be glad to see him.

Legistation

DOUGLAS HURD

in the Fão