MUD 021/5
16 SEP 1993
PRIME MINISTER'S TALKS WITH AUSTRALIAN PRIME MINISTER:
17 SEPTEMBER 1993
HONG KONG
Points to make
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Grateful for consistent Australian support you have given for Chris Patten's approach to democracy in Hong Kong.
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Hong Kong is successful precisely because its economy is bedded on strong and independent institutions, a corruption-free civil service and sound western business
practices, underpinned by the rule of law. Can be no
coincidence that 70% of foreign investment in South China comes through Hong Kong.
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Important to all of us in the region and more widely with an interest in Asian economic success that Hong Kong should
preserve her freedoms and particularly the rule of law after
1997. If corrupt Chinese practices become the norm in
Hong Kong, we shall all suffer.
That is why we are determined to hold fair and open
elections in 1995. Hong Kong needs a Legislative Council that is not in China's pocket in order to protect Hong Kong's high
standards.
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- But we want to do this if possible in a way which will
provide continuity of institutions and people. Hence the importance of the "through train", and 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. There is a point beyond which we cannot go. Whether or not agreement is possible. shall need to get on with making the arrangements for elections by about the end of the year.
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ptm.sosvisnz.NAT
JEB
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