SECRET
8.
We must recognise that the Chinese are unlikely to react well to such an approach. If they held out the prospect of major improvements in the Basic Law (eg more directly elected seats in the decade after 1997) in return for a degree of restraint on our part in 1991 (eg not, say, beyond 15 seats for the '91 election), the Governor would clearly have to undertake to report. We
would then need to consider rapidly what our response should be. But I agree with Sir David's view that he should not be drawn into negotiating below 20 during this visit. The Governor will also need during his visit to spell out to the Chinese the reasoning behind our recent
decisions on citizenship.
9. I should be grateful for confirmation that you agree with this approach. I will assess the state of opinion in Hong Kong, discuss the problems with the Governor and Sir Alan Donald and make a recommendation to you and
OD (K) colleagues after my return.
Дн
(DOUGLAS HURD)
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
4 January 1990
SECRET
Page 90Page 91