TNAG-2788-FCO40-4027-Chinese-policy-on-Hong-Kong-an-overview-1993 — Page 51

CONFIDENTIAL

- 6-

11.5.93

Yuk Yin of Wen

Wei Po

12.5.93

Ching Hom,

Wen Wei Po

commentator of

13.5.93

Ba Sang of Ta Kung Pao

13.5.93

Pui Yin of Wen

Wei Po

15.5.93

Sik Lik of Ta

Kung Pao

Is the Governor trying to hinder the progress of the talks with the "three- legged stool" theory? The people of HK would not give their support if the Governor poses new obstacles to the talks.

The "three-legged stool" theory is an obvious violation of the spirit of the JD. The Governor is only trying to

internationalise the HK issue and can

hardly be described as doing it for HK's economic interests.

By promoting the "three-legged stool" theory, the Governor gives people a false impression that HK is an independent

political entity. It will help him

continue further confrontation with the Chinese side by manipulating Legco to overturn any agreements that may be reached after Sino-British talks and repeat the case of the Court of Final Appeal.

The Governor has been trying to internationalise the HK question by raising the "three-legged stool" theory. In fact, he has been trying to invite US

interference and turn it into a four-legged or five-legged stools.

A "three-legged stool" is not stable if one of the legs is much shorter than the others. HK cannot be represented by a small number of councillors and considered independent of its sovereign state.

CONFIDENTIAL