TNAG-2487-FCO40-3618-Future-relations-between-Hong-Kong-and-China-1992 — Page 88

།

26

probably only aggravate the difficulties and the unpleasantness

of the experience of conducting the negotiations.

Given the history of the negotiations it would seem likely

that the disputes over the funding of the airport will eventually

be solved. But care will have to be taken to find a formula that

could cover most future contingencies in that regard lest every

minor hitch would require resolution across the negotiating table

despite it being recognized that it is particularly hard for

China's negotiators to exercise the kind of initiative that might

be required. Meanwhile it would not be surprising if other issues

on the agenda that might otherwise be regarded as of minor and

technical significance should suddenly acquire a deeper salience

and cause further delays and frustrations leading to an eventual

mad rush to complete the necessary arrangements before the final

deadline.

The main stumbling block on which the negotiating enterprise

may yet come to grief is the democracy question. The next

elections are due in 1995. At this stage it is uncertain whether

Governor Patten will succeed in persuading the Chinese to consent

to increasing the number of directly elected seats to the

Legislative Council beyond the twenty to which they are already

pledged in the Basic Law. But whatever the outcome on that, the

Governor will also have to determine, in consultation with the

Chinese side, the precise form the elections will take. Of course

the politicians in Hong Kong can be expected to demand a say in

these matters. The format of the elections will obviously be a