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8. If we
were to propose focusing in the next two or three rounds on the 1994 elections, the fact would undoubtedly leak. It would be
taken by the community as an admission that the 1994 and 1995 elections could be dealt with separately (a proposition which we have hitherto always argued against). If, after 2 or 3 rounds, we concluded that we were still far from a satisfactory agreement on the 1994 elections, and had made no further significant progress on the 1995 elections and the through train, what would we then do? Politically, we would no longer have the option of putting the 1994/95 election proposals to LegCo as a package, because a majority of LegCo and the public would want us to continue to treat 1995 separately from 1994, and to make use of the remaining available time to discuss 1995. So we would be left with:
(a) no agreement on the 1994 arrangements (and no option but to go forward unilaterally, unless we were willing to risk delaying the arrangements);
(b)
the prospect of further sterile discussion over the 1995 elections, stretching well into 1994; or
(c) an abrupt termination of any further discussion of the 1995 elections, in response to a decision to table proposals for 1994.
9. We need to answer also the effect of further delay on the community and our own negotiating position. There would be an increasing sense of frustration and impatience over the continuing uncertainty. That would reflect badly on the authority and credibility of the administration. It would also have an unsettling effect on the community. Moreover, it is undoubtedly. true that time is on the side of the Chinese and their supporters. Delay would work in their favour and increase the pressure on us to settle for a dishonourable deal which compromised our position on open and honest elections and the through train.
10.
I apologise if the case against separation has not been put to you persuasively before. I hope that, in the Light of the arguments above (which I apologise also for putting at such ungentlemanly length), you will share my strong view that it is overwhelming.
11.
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THIS IS A COPY THE ORIGINAL HAS BEEN CLOSED UNDER
FOI EXEMPTION NO.....27 (1).