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Our reply would also be an opportunity to point out the diffic y of discussing Sino-British relations when normal diplomatic machinery is not functioning properly. We could re-affirm our wish to restore normal movement and I strongly recommend that we should make the complete offer of reciprocity for visas for officials as argued last in my telegram No. 159. It makes our negotiating position much clearer than if we continue to exclude entry visas for NCNA. It would also strengthen our position in any subsequent diplomatic or publicity campaign and it might conceivably produce some response in terms of visas from the Chinese before a complete settlement is reached over Hong Kong. my immediately following telegram.
Foreign Office pass Hong Kong 170.
reached
See
328
Sir D. Hopson
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