TNAG-2913-FCO40-4188-International-support-from-the-USA-regarding-the-future-of-H-1993 — Page 19

TRACT

FROM

AS REQUIRED

REPORT

UNDER

ON

HONCI

KING

TO CON GMB

31/3/43

аст

OF 1942.

news

Hongking faLICY ACT

a resumption of Sino-British talks.

AS 1993 began, the UK and PRC inched toward resuming negotiations on Hong Kong's political future. Among the issues under discussion during this stage were whether the Hong Kong government would continue to refrain from introducing the second Patten election reform bill for the duration of talks; what hole the Hong Kong government, and in particular Hong Kong Chinese officials of the Hong Kong government, would play in UK-FRC negotiations; and assurances the Chinese sought from the British that whatever agreement was negotiated would be implemented without modification by the Hong Kong legislature.

However as of the time this report was drafted, the Lwo sides were deadlocked over the single issue of the status of Hong Kong government officials in the UK-PRC negotiations. After four deferrals, Governor Patten published the second election reform bill on March 12, but gave no definite date for introducing it into Legco. Senior Chinese officials attacked the Governor for "closing the door to talks, and stated that IL would be very difficult," if not "impossible," to yo ahead with talks following publication of the second reform bill. Chine's foreign minister warned the Hong Kong government against publishing the second bill, saying this would create obstacles to the Sino-British talks.

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(F) U.S. Reaction to the Governor's Proposals

The United States has reiterated that it strongly supports democracy in Hong Kong, as it does throughout the world. The U.S. believes the Governor's proposals are constructive and hopes they will receive careful attention and discussion by all concerned parties. The U.S. believes that reform of the Hong Kong government is a matter that must be worked out by the British and Chinese governments, in accordance with the Joint Declaration and in keeping with the wishes of the people of Hong Kong.

Consistent with these objectives, the U.S. hopes that UK-PRC negotiations resume soon. The U.S. believes any

allangements that emerge should have the support of the people of Hong Kong and lay the groundwork for further development of Hong Kong's democratic institutions.

(8) Participation in Multilateral Forums

The nature and extent of Hong Kong's participation in multilateral forums,

Hong Kong participates in more than 40 internationaг organizations and associations (see list below). Hong Kong participation varies from full membership in its own right to

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