TNAG-1443-FCO40-1927-Constitutional-development-in-Hong-Kong-1986 — Page 236

CONFIDENTIAL

34.

We must continue and intensify our exchanges with the

Chinese on all the issues connected with "convergence" We must emphasise why the 1987 review must be seen to be genuine and open, with both the British and Chinese Governments keeping an

an open mind

over the outcome. We must seek to create conditions of trust within

which problems can be discussed and solved.

35.

Until the state of opinion in Hong Kong crystallises, we

cannot foresee precisely how these problems might be tackled. But

the closer Our informal dialogue with the Chinese on all the issues

connected with "convergence" and the Basic Law, the better will be

our chances of finding a way forward which will at least reduce the

dimensions of the problems involved and present an outcome which

will maintain confidence

transition to 1997 can be

negotiated successfully.

that the

Foreign and Commonwealth Office

October 1986

CONFIDENTIAL

11