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wide differences between their and our interpretations of the general formulations on this subject in the Joint Declaration
and the Basic Law. It is now clearer that we cannot expect
to achieve fully all the above objectives. Some of the questions which lie behind the day to day judgements include:
How can we best preserve Hong Kong's autonomy after
1997: by building up LegCo before 1997, even though it might be dissolved by the Chinese on the transfer
of sovereignty, or making the compromises necessary to
secure Chinese agreement that the structures in place
in 1997 will continue?
- How important is it that we should secure Chinese
agreement that all members of LegCo elected in 1995 should be able to ride "through train" beyond 1997 provided they meet the Basic Law requirements?# Would failure to achieve this be accepted in Hong Kong as grounds for breaking off talks?
How far would the community in Hong Kong want us to go to achieve a cooperative relationship with China?
How important is it to preserve a working relationship with China over Hong Kong, over the airport, other major contracts, and the mass of work in the JLG aimed at securing a smooth transition?
# Footnote: The Basic Law provides that those members
of LegCo elected in 1995 who uphold the BL, pledge allegiance to the SAR and meet the requirements of the BL may, upon confirmation by the SAR Preparatory Committee, remain members of LegCo beyond July 1997.
HongKongissuesahead/BRIEFS/NJH
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