TNAG-1443-FCO40-1927-Constitutional-development-in-Hong-Kong-1986 — Page 197

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there must be compatibility (or "convergence") between the

government structure as it continues to evolve up to 1997 and the

government structure for

for the Hong Kong SAR as

as this is described in

the Basic Law. If convergence cannot be achieved there will be a disruptive break in 1997 and/or open conflict between the British

and Chinese governments before 1997, with potentially disastrous results for the stability of Hong Kong.

22.

The general problem is compounded by particular

complications of timing over the next two years. The review to be

conducted by the Hong Kong Government during 1987 will address the

further development of representative government.

We are committed

to including in the review the question of direct elections. At the

same time the Chinese Government and the BLDC will be considering

the structure of government for the SAR in 1997. The first draft of the Basic Law will be published in 1988. It is very important that

there should be no conflict between the outcome of these two

exercises. Particular difficulty would be caused if there was

inconsistency between decisions taken by the British side at the end

of 1987 and the provisions in the draft Basic Law published by the

Chinese Government in the following year. This would call into

question "convergence" and a smooth transition in 1997: greatly

damage confidence in Hong Kong: and weaken the basis for the

cooperation between the Chinese Government and HMG which will facilitate the transfer of sovereignty.

The Chinese attitude

23.

known

Over the past year the Chinese have on many occasions made

their concern at the direction and pace of constitutional

development in Hong Kong.

In November 1985 their de facto

representative in Hong Kong publicly accused us of "deviations from

the Joint Declaration", а statement which

seriously jolted

confidence. Although we have now done much to re-establish a

relationship of mutual trust over these issues, Chinese nervousness

remains.

24.

not want

The Chinese concerns appear to be twofold. The Chinese do

us to announce decisions about major constitutional change

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