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probably only aggravate the difficulties and the unpleasantness
of the experience of conducting the negotiations.
Given the history of the negotiations it would seem likely
that the disputes over the funding of the airport will eventually
be solved. But care will have to be taken to find a formula that
could cover most future contingencies in that regard lest every
minor hitch would require resolution across the negotiating table
despite it being recognized that it is particularly hard for
China's negotiators to exercise the kind of initiative that might
be required. Meanwhile it would not be surprising if other issues
on the agenda that might otherwise be regarded as of minor and
technical significance should suddenly acquire a deeper salience
and cause further delays and frustrations leading to an eventual
mad rush to complete the necessary arrangements before the final
deadline.
The main stumbling block on which the negotiating enterprise
may yet come to grief is the democracy question. The next
elections are due in 1995. At this stage it is uncertain whether
Governor Patten will succeed in persuading the Chinese to consent
to increasing the number of directly elected seats to the
Legislative Council beyond the twenty to which they are already
pledged in the Basic Law. But whatever the outcome on that, the
Governor will also have to determine, in consultation with the
Chinese side, the precise form the elections will take. Of course
the politicians in Hong Kong can be expected to demand a say in
these matters. The format of the elections will obviously be a