A DEADLINE by which Sino-British talks on political reform must end, with or without agreement, has been fixed by top British Government officials.
The date remains a closely guarded secret, but sources in London have revealed that it lies in December, most likely around the middle of the month.
They say that, after careful consultation with constitutional experts in Hong Kong, it has been agreed this is the latest that legal arrangements could be put in train, to allow the September 1994 district board elections to take place on time.
Despite recent hints from Governor Chris Patten that his October policy address is a make-or-break point for the talks, well-informed sources insist this is not a real cut-off date.
''October is a false deadline, although we are trying to get the Chinese to believe it may exist,'' said one.
''There is an actual day beyond which we cannot go. But if it could be settled by December one way or the other, then the Governor could get through the arrangements he needs to put in place.'' British analysts dismiss Mr Patten's repeated insistence that he expects to give ''a pretty comprehensive report on where things stand'' to Legco on October 6 as simply negotiating tactics.