MIND 02112
него
RECF
INUL
1 5 NOV 1993
ISTRY
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MR GOODLAD'S VISIT TO JAPAN, 15
HONG KONG
file.
197
-
18 NOVEMBER 1993
CONSTITUTIONAL TALKS
Grateful for Japan's consistent support over Hong Kong. Japan well placed to influence Chinese thinking as one of Hong
Kong's closest economic partners who also enjoys good
relations with China.
Next few weeks crucial for successful outcome of talks with
Chinese on Hong Kong's electoral arrangements. Sir J Coles has sent Mr Ikeda a message suggesting a number of points
which Mr Hosakawa might make to Jiang Zemin in Seattle.
Background is that, after six months, we have had the first
signs of movement towards us from the Chinese side in the
talks on Hong Kong's electoral arrangements. They have
suggested negotiating an interim agreement.
This would allow
us to start the legislative process in Hong Kong to set up arrangements for the less controversial elections, giving us a
little more time to concentrate on the more difficult issues
of the Legislative Council elections and the "through train".
This is a positive development. But time is very short and the gap between the two sides remains wide. We have told the
Chinese that we should now move on to a more intensive phase of negotiations.
Anything you can say to underline the need for a sensible
Chinese approach at this stage would be useful. You will of
course want to cover the ground in your own way; the Chinese
will be sensitive to any suggestion that they are the targets of a campaign over Hong Kong issues.
cklist.gdljap.NAT
JEB
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