TNAG-2914-FCO40-4189-International-support-from-the-USA-regarding-the-future-of-H-1993 — Page 49

Huw 021/3 Мно

REC

15 SEP 1993

DESA CAP

INDE

CONFIDENTIAL

VISIT OF MR GOODLAD TO THE UNITED STATES, 19

HONG KONG

File

pr.

1179

27 SEPTEMBER

Points to Make

CONSTITUTIONAL TALKS

Hong Kong economy strong and business confidence high.

- We are determined to hold fair and open elections in 1995. Important to leave Hong Kong with the self-confident

institutions it will need to preserve freedoms and the rule of

law after 1997.

- We want to do this if possible in a way which will provide continuity of institutions and people. Hence the need for agreement with China if we can get it on acceptable terms.

- Our talks with China are now dealing with concrete issues. There is still a considerable gap between us but we are working for a successful outcome.

Time is not unlimited. Arrangements will need to be in place in time for local elections next September and the Legislative Council elections in 1995.

For use with officials only (Confidential)

Last two rounds of talks were pretty sterile, as we had expected. Foreign Secretary has sent a message to Qian with the aim of unblocking the situation before the two Foreign Ministers meet in New York on 1 October.

ptm.gladusvis.NAT

JEB

CONFIDENTIAL