TNAG-2990-FCO40-3574-Future-of-Hong-Kong-constitutional-development-talks-betwee-1992 — Page 33

CONFIDENTIAL

DESKBY

than to vote against the motion.

6.

Where the longer term strategy is concerned, I note Sir R

McLaren's suggestion of some repackaging of our constitutional

proposals (Peking telnos 1472 and 1500) and your reaction to this

in para 8 of tur. There are of course intermediate scenarios

which could also arise, for example if Chinese counter-proposals

are put forward and we consider them, as we have undertaken to

do. There is also the question of how we position ourselves in

relation to the Chinese so as to deprive them of plausible arguments and leave ourselves the best possible chance of

securing a positive vote in LegCo.

7. It would be helpful if all these aspects of the end game

could be discussed at the time of your return to London in

mid-November. This would be an excellent opportunity for a

collective discussion: and I am suggesting to the Prime Minister

a meeting of OPD (K) for 18 November. In advance of that I should

Like to talk matters through with both yourself and Sir R McLaren, and I should be grateful if Sir R McLaren could arrange

to return to London for that purpose. It will also be helpful to

have your own further thoughts on the longer-term strategy if at

all possible by 5 November, to enable us to make the preparations

for collective discussion among Ministers.

HURD

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