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CONFIDENTIAL

Galsworthy HKD

Mary thanks

Dr Wilson

srvcuduran

FROM:

ра

10/12/1

A C Galsworthy, HKD

DATE: 9 December 1985,

Ads / on Renton 20/12

Convergence if like 'Stability Ser

PS/Mr Ref

Reflecom Minister

Can

ir accepted

1985

1386

useful concept Nosperity;

ai

we

Солиото

ON elections, I doubt if the Chiene mat present anglow-see thew ai

goal.

1. Mr Renton's queries on the attached submission.

more thaw

There duri

i s a reference to the Joint Declaration calling for an elected legislature in para 18 of the speaking note. We

this argument with the

response that the Joint

with

have however to be care ful

Chinese, because it invites the

Declaration does not lay down how such a legislature should be elected, that under

under the Joint Declaration it is for the

Basic Law to lay this down, and that we should therefore not

anticipate the contents of the Basic Law by reforms in Hong

Kong.

2.

We used the word "convergence" at the JLG to express our perception of the need for any reforms we undertake in Hong

Kong before 1997 and the structure of government as laid

down

in the Basic Law to move in the same direction. As such it

has become a concept which we, EXCO and the Chinese can all

accept. It is quite an attractive term of art because there

is

a definite implication that we and the Chinese should

move towards each other, rather than that, as the Chinese

are more likely to see

we should just ourselves move in

the direction of the Chinese position.

it,

Jusalm

HRR O!!!!

RECEIVED IN REGISTRY

2 4 DEC 1985

Alxii

9 December 1985

DESK OFFICER

INDEX

Fi

AjB 241

AC Galsworthy

Hong Kong Department

CONFIDENTIAL

Page 150Page 151

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