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there must be compatibility (or "convergence") between the government structure as it continues to evolve up to 1997 and the government structure for the Hong Kong SAR as this is described in
the Basic Law. If convergence cannot be achieved there will be a disruptive break in 1997 and/or open conflict between the British and Chinese governments before 1997, with potentially disastrous results for the stability of Hong Kong.
22.
The general problem is compounded by particular
complications of timing over the next two years.
The review to be
conducted by the Hong Kong Government during 1987 will address the further development of representative government. We are committed to including in the review the question of direct elections. At the same time the Chinese Government and the BLDC will be considering
the structure of government for the SAR in 1997. The first draft of the Basic Law will be published in 1988. It is very important that
there should be no conflict between the outcome of these two
exercises. Particular difficulty would be caused if there was inconsistency between decisions taken by the British side at the end of 1987 and the provisions in the draft Basic Law published by the
Chinese Government in the following year. This would call into
question "convergence" and a smooth transition in 1997: greatly
damage confidence in Hong Kong: and weaken the basis for the
between the cooperation
Chinese Government and HMG which will
facilitate the transfer of sovereignty.
The Chinese attitude
23.
known
Over the past year the Chinese have on many occasions made their concern at the direction and pace of constitutional
development in Hong Kong.
In November 1985 their de facto
representative in Hong Kong publicly accused us of "deviations from
the Joint Declaration", a statement which
confidence.
seriously jolted
Although we have now done much to re-establish a relationship of mutual trust over these issues, Chinese nervousness
remains.
24.
not want
The Chinese concerns appear to be twofold. The Chinese do us to announce decisions about major constitutional change.
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