the
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5. The British Government recognise that in the light of recent events position of certain categories of persons now serving prison sentences in Hong Kong may present difficulties] to Chinese Governant Bearing in mind it is in the interests of both sides to maintain relations over Hong Kong and as proof of their sincerity in seeking to further this aim, the British Government are prepared to consider possibility of releasing to China certain of these persons, with the agreement of Chinese Government, until such time as both sides agree it is appropriate for them to return to Hong Kong, assuming that they wish to do so So
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The British Government would also be prepared to consider any individual claims for compensation which may be submitted through normal channels]
7. [The British Government remains willing at any time to discuss such points about Hong Kong as the Chinese Government may wish to put forward However, they do not share Chinese views that other
problems in Sino-British relations cannot in the meantime be discussed and solved. On the contrary, the British Government believe not only that some other outstanding problems can very easily be solved given goodwill on both sides but that failure to approach these other [secondary questions in a constructive spirit can only obstruct agreement on important issue of Hong Kong For example, the continuing failure to restore normal movement between the Diplomatic Missions in Peking and London, which is quite contrary to international diplomatic practice can only throw doubt upon the likelihood of achieving results in negotiation on the larger matters and seriously impede the regular diplomatic intercourse which is necessary for that purpose. The British Government are ready to settle the movements problem immediately on the lines suggested by the Chinese Government in January; they look to the Chinese Government for an early response on this matter. They also take this opportunity of recording yet again their grave concern at the position of other British subjects detained in China.
8. In conclusion, the British Government reaffirm their interest in and sincere desire for a full normalisation of Sino-British relations. They are of the opinion that there is no problem existing between the two sides which cannot be solved by goodwill and good faith. Failure to achieve such a solution is bound to be to the loss of all parties concerned.
Foreign Office pass to Hong Kong 171.
Sir D. Hopson
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