TNAG-2990-FCO40-3574-Future-of-Hong-Kong-constitutional-development-talks-betwee-1992 — Page 108

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Message" Trom

Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs

Chinese Minister of Foreign Affairs (31 January 1998)

have

the

Thank you for your message of 20 January, which I studied carefully.

I entirely share your view that

differences between our two sides can be resolved so

long as we approach them in a spirit of mutual accommodation with the aim of maintaining the stability and

prosperity of Hong Kong. It is my sincere wish to reach an

early understanding with you on the most appropriate political structure for Hong Kong before and after 1997. I

am grateful for the efforts you have made to meet our

concerns,

2.

I have

given the matter intense thought since

receiving your reply. I have also examined carefully the reports which I have received on the reactions in Hong Kong

to the proposals which emerged from the recent meeting of

the political structure special group of the BLDC in

Guangzhou.

3.

It is

clear to me,

as it will be to the Chinese

side, that the outcome of the BLDC Special Group Meeting caused real disappointment in Hong Kong.

4.

from

hard

There has been a particularly adverse reaction

moderate groups in the territory who have been working

to find an acceptable consensus. We therefore face the prospect that unless significant changes are made, the provisions on the political structure in the Basic Law will not be welcomed by responsible opinion in Hong Kong. This situation would pose serious political problems for both our governments. The Basic Law will have a major impact on how Hong Kong people view their future. The political provisions will be of key importance in this

The effect on

investor confidence, locally and

structure

regard.

overseas, if these provisions were to be widely criticised

would be serious.

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