CONFIDENTIAL
34.
We must continue and intensify our exchanges with the
Chinese on all the issues connected with "convergence" We must emphasise why the 1987 review must be seen to be genuine and open, with both the British and Chinese Governments keeping an
an open mind
over the outcome. We must seek to create conditions of trust within
which problems can be discussed and solved.
35.
Until the state of opinion in Hong Kong crystallises, we
cannot foresee precisely how these problems might be tackled. But
the closer Our informal dialogue with the Chinese on all the issues
connected with "convergence" and the Basic Law, the better will be
our chances of finding a way forward which will at least reduce the
dimensions of the problems involved and present an outcome which
will maintain confidence
transition to 1997 can be
negotiated successfully.
that the
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
October 1986
CONFIDENTIAL
11