CONFIDENTIAL
Message" Trom
Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs
Chinese Minister of Foreign Affairs (31 January 1998)
have
the
Thank you for your message of 20 January, which I studied carefully.
I entirely share your view that
differences between our two sides can be resolved so
long as we approach them in a spirit of mutual accommodation with the aim of maintaining the stability and
prosperity of Hong Kong. It is my sincere wish to reach an
early understanding with you on the most appropriate political structure for Hong Kong before and after 1997. I
am grateful for the efforts you have made to meet our
concerns,
2.
I have
given the matter intense thought since
receiving your reply. I have also examined carefully the reports which I have received on the reactions in Hong Kong
to the proposals which emerged from the recent meeting of
the political structure special group of the BLDC in
Guangzhou.
3.
It is
clear to me,
as it will be to the Chinese
side, that the outcome of the BLDC Special Group Meeting caused real disappointment in Hong Kong.
4.
from
hard
There has been a particularly adverse reaction
moderate groups in the territory who have been working
to find an acceptable consensus. We therefore face the prospect that unless significant changes are made, the provisions on the political structure in the Basic Law will not be welcomed by responsible opinion in Hong Kong. This situation would pose serious political problems for both our governments. The Basic Law will have a major impact on how Hong Kong people view their future. The political provisions will be of key importance in this
The effect on
investor confidence, locally and
structure
regard.
overseas, if these provisions were to be widely criticised
would be serious.
CONFIDENTIAL