The Caratheodory topology for multiply connected domains I

We consider the convergence of pointed multiply connected domains in the Caratheodory topology. Behaviour in the limit is largely determined by the properties of the simple closed hyperbolic geodesics which separate components of the complement. Of particular importance are those whose hyperbolic length is as short as possible which we call meridians of the domain. We prove continuity results on convergence of such geodesics for sequences of pointed hyperbolic domains which converge in the Caratheodory topology to another pointed hyperbolic domain. Using these we describe an equivalent condition to Caratheodory convergence which is formulated in terms of Riemann mappings to standard slit domains.