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- 8.
of the "five demands". This could be particularly important
•
to her in trying to present the present situation as an
improvement on the pre-confrontation situation and would ease
the problem of "how to dismount"
20.
There is also a body of opinion which believes that
China is strongly committed to the "one China" theory, that she
could never accept the principle of deportation from Hong Kong
to China. Certainly the use of the word "deportation" was
vehemently criticised by the left-wing press fallowing the
return of the five Chinese at Lo Wu. On the other hand Leung
Wai-lam stated publicly in June that although deportation was
illegal China would always welcome back compatriots who wished
to return to the motherland.
It does appear therefore that
China would find it embarrassing to refuse compatriots who
genuinely wished to return.
21.
Presentation of Proposals:
זי
If it is considered that
some approach should be made to the Chinese before any
deportation is attempted, the presentation of these proposals
is of paramount importance Mr.Hopson is of the opinion that China
is unlikely to enter into any negotiation on this question.
Certainly if the word "deportation were ever mentioned the
Chinese might have no alternative but to refuse to discuss
the matter. If however a phrase like "release to China" were
used, China might be tempted. The word "release" appears in
their own "demands" note and might well attract them initially
The subsequent proposals would have to leave them in no doubt
as to our intentions, but as we have already learned at Lo Wu,
if they feel they can present a convincing version to the masses
they will probably be satisfied.
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