بسرنه
7
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CONFIDENTIAL
MUN 072/2
Мив
054263
MDHOAN 5212
ins & Fols reversed is pi
CONFIDENTIAL
FM FCO
TO DESKBY 02003OZ PEKING
TELNO 445
OF 01120OZ JUNE 92
ко
INFO IMMEDIATE HONG KONG, UKREP JLG HONG KONG
32
YOUR TELNO 761 AND HONG KONG TELNO 1481 POSSIBLE MEETING WITH LU PING: CONSTITUTIONAL DEVELOPMENT IN HONG KONG
1. We agree that:
if Lu Ping raises the subject of British policy on direct elections in 1995, you should speak as proposed in your para 3. We are faxing to you the line which Mr Goodlad used in all his discussions with the media and political parties on this subject. You can quote freely from this with Lu Ping: as you will see, the Minister stressed that we will be discussing with the Chinese side many issues connected to the 1995 elections, and that we will do so reasonably soon. We agree with the amendment to your para 3 proposed by the Governor (Hong Kong TUR). Continuity may not be possible in all areas.
on the question of whether the Basic Law can be amended, you should take the line set out in your para 4. We are not aware that Ministers have been asked this question before. You could add that Mr Goodlad made the comment in response to a direct question from a member of a Hong Kong political party, who subsequently spoke to the press. The Minister was making a broad political point, and was careful not to get drawn into discussion of the detailed legal issues.
On the Prime Minister's recent meeting with Martin Lee, you should make the points in your para 5. You should also be aware that Sir Percy Cradock made some additional points at the time to the Chinese Ambassador (copy follows by fax).
Sir P Cradock emphasised that the meeting should not be seen as marking any change in British policy, which remained fixed and consistent.
2. You might also draw Lu Ping's attention, if necessary, to Mr Goodlad's repeated public assurances in Hong Kong of continuity in British policy towards Hong Kong.
HURD
1
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