CONFIDENTIAL
(e)
Non-Constitutional Issues
We should not link constitutional issues to any other
issues.
We want to show ourselves willing to conduct as much business as normally as possible, whatever the static.
(£)
Long Term
It is questionable whether the Chinese can keep up an unremitting campaign until 1995 once legislation has passed LegCo.
But it is likely, if they declare they will overthrow the package eventually passed, that they will intimidate those who might be thinking of standing as candidates in 1994/95. They will probably say that those who stand in elections which they have declared to be contrary to the Basic Law will by definition have failed to uphold the Basic Law and will thus be ineligible to participate in political life after
1997.
When you have worked up a paper, could I suggest that we discuss it with Mr Galsworthy?
3.
Lover, then
(W G Ehrman) Political Adviser
2.11.92
C.C.
Mr Galsworthy, HD/UKREP JLG
CONFIDENTIAL