TNAG-2916-FCO40-4191-International-support-from-European-countries-regarding-the--1993 — Page 27

ptm.paris.NAT

JEB

MUD 021/4

RECE!

2 9 NOV 1993

DESK OFFICE

CONFIDENTIAL

MR GOODLAD'S VISIT TO PARIS, 29/30 NOVEMBER

HONG KONG ISSUES

Points to make

riú

Negotiations with Chinese over Hong Kong have reached a decisive phase. We remain committed to reaching agreement,

but little time now left before Chris Patten must make

practical arrangements for the elections which fall between

now and 1995.

Lack of any moves by Chinese side during 14 Rounds of talks

led us to expect we would have to conclude [at the special

meeting] in/by early October that they were not interested in compromise. But at the 15th Round they offered a first stage deal on the less controversial issues. We decided that if this offer could be improved, we should agree it.

[EITHER:]

[Sadly, at Rounds 16 and 17 (19/20 & 26/27 November), Chinese side not prepared to make the limited moves necessary to reach a first stage deal. We are taking stock. There are

important isues of principle at stake. We will need to introduce legislation shortly to make the minimum

administrative arrangements for the 1994/95 elections to

enable us to stay on course. But shall try to persuade

Chinese side to continue discussions on the more controversial

issues relating to the 1995 LegCo elections].

-

[OR:]

[Happily, the Chinese agreed at Round 17 (26/27 November) to a first stage deal, which will enable us to press ahead with

legislation on some of the administrative arrangements for the

1994 and 1995 elections. We shall now continue discussions on

the more controversial issues: the functional constituencies,

the Election Committee and the "through train" (arrangements

to enable legislative counsellors elected in 1995 to serve the

four year term through 1997)].

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CONFIDENTIAL

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