CONFIDENTIAL
particularly important
government institutions.
in
are a
of development of Hong Kong's
The se have remained workable over the
years because
we have adapted them to meet needs of a changing society. If we just bring that process to full stop it would create
need
Agreed to
Date was
with da te of
Committed to
examination of
Any thing else
But recongise
we have developed and
trouble and ultimately damage prosperity and stability.
review in 1987 as a result of strong public pressure.
connected with 1988 election s and had nothing to do
publication of Basic Law, which we did not then know.
doing this and must
do it honestly, both as regards
for changes and consultation of public opinion.
would severely damage our authority in Hong Kong.
need for convergence be tween institutions
those you will lay down in Basic Law. Not our intention to attempt
to force you to accept any particular formula in Basic Law.
ideas for 1987 not yet determined and will not be until we see how
present sys tem settles down. Believe both sides start from common
basis of Joint Declaration which lays down among other
legislature of SAR shall be constituted by elections.
coming period to have frank and in formal
things
Vital
Our
that
over
dialogue with y ou
to
can converge.
Since it is
discuss your and
ideas our
and how they
here that our ideas will crystallise before they are
put to London
very valuable for this to take place here (in addition of course to any dialogue in Peking).
Hope this talk will be beginning of that
dialogue.
CONFIDEN TIAL