TNAG-1375-FCO40-1822-Visits-by-Chinese-officials-to-Hong-Kong-1985 — Page 82

CONFIDENTIAL

particularly important

government institutions.

in

are a

of development of Hong Kong's

The se have remained workable over the

years because

we have adapted them to meet needs of a changing society. If we just bring that process to full stop it would create

need

Agreed to

Date was

with da te of

Committed to

examination of

Any thing else

But recongise

we have developed and

trouble and ultimately damage prosperity and stability.

review in 1987 as a result of strong public pressure.

connected with 1988 election s and had nothing to do

publication of Basic Law, which we did not then know.

doing this and must

do it honestly, both as regards

for changes and consultation of public opinion.

would severely damage our authority in Hong Kong.

need for convergence be tween institutions

those you will lay down in Basic Law. Not our intention to attempt

to force you to accept any particular formula in Basic Law.

ideas for 1987 not yet determined and will not be until we see how

present sys tem settles down. Believe both sides start from common

basis of Joint Declaration which lays down among other

legislature of SAR shall be constituted by elections.

coming period to have frank and in formal

things

Vital

Our

that

over

dialogue with y ou

to

can converge.

Since it is

discuss your and

ideas our

and how they

here that our ideas will crystallise before they are

put to London

very valuable for this to take place here (in addition of course to any dialogue in Peking).

Hope this talk will be beginning of that

dialogue.

CONFIDEN TIAL