TNAG-2807-FCO40-4049-Visit-by-Lord-Callaghan--former-UK-Prime-Minister--to-China--1993 — Page 17

FCO40 Hong Kong Department Records 聯邦事務部香港部檔案 All

ccracy is relative. I also stated that the Governor heall the power in Hong Kong and that this had resulted in good management.

mean

I told him that democracy should be in line with historical and economic development. Sudden democracy could endanger social stability but this does nol that I do not want any democracy at all. It will lake lime. By agreeing to go from 10 seals to 18 I have already done my best lo compromise.

the

The second issue the envoy wanted to discuss was airport. I said that as an engineer I believed a afler 1997, we feasibilly sludy was necessary. Also,

would not lake money out of Hong Kong but we would not subsidize it either. I said we need to avoid the depletion of Hong Kong's resources and the creation of a heavy burden for the future. Hong Kong did need a new airport and thus we later had a memorandum of understanding.

As I said before, since I came to the center I have been paying close attention to this issue. I hoped there would be a smooth transition but then came Governor Pallen's proposals. Also, it was suggested that these proposals were supported by a large majorily in Hong Kong.

we are

In China we have a saying that "as long as sincere there is nothing that cannot be done". The third round of lalks have promise. What I want to say is thal we are sincere in dealing with this issue. I do not think China will create any difficulties out of the clear blue sky.

We should push ahead on the basis of the Basic Law the Joint Declaration, and the understandings which have been reached. I firmly believe that if both sides have the

al prosperity and stability of Hong Kong at heart we will reach a solution. I am sure we will reach a solution. I am optimistic.

The President asked Lord Callaghan lo convey his greelings

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