"
him for doing so. He was prepared to say he would come as
soon as his programme allowed. In the continuous process of
haggling on which we were now embarked this was whittled
down to "soon".
The final stages of our negotiations turned on the
likely timing of the Prime Minister's visit, the timing of
the publication of the agreement and the scope of the
construction works that could begin on initialling only.
The Chinese fought for a complete embargo until the two
leaders had met; and for a time on the last day the whole
agreement seemed in jeopardy. But it was
initialled on 30 June and published four days later.
eventually
It was brief and to the point. In return for
certain financial assurances and strictly limited
undertakings on consultation, the Chinese expressed their
support for the airport, their willingness to take part in
its construction and their undertaking to recognise after
1997 obligations entered into by investors. Work could
begin on two urgent contracts at once; a long list of core
projects could be begun as soon as the agreement was
signed.
On the critical question of consultation, which
meant the Chinese wish to be involved in the general
management of the territory, there was a formula whereby,
on important matters bearing on the airport and straddling
1997, the two governments would carry out consultation in a
spirit of cooperation and in accordance with the Joint
Declaration. This was a safe formula. It restricted
consultation to airport issues, as distinct from all
8
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.