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Background
3. Sir D. Hopson was summoned by Lo Kuei-po, Vice-Minister
for Foreign Affairs, on 8 March to receive a statement to the
effect that the Hong Kong situation was the crux of Sino-British
relations; that the British Government must reply to various
demands put forward by the Chinese Government on this subject;
and that only thereafter would it be possible to discuss
Flag B "secondary" matters (Peking telegram No. 176). The Chinese on
1244,
two occasions since then, in interviews with the Eission, have
insisted on the need for an early reply. Sir D. Hopson regards
this as a hopeful sign indicating a wish to settle outstanding
problems with us, though of course on terms acceptable to them
(Peking telegram No. 242). Sir D. Hopson put forward a draft
of a proposed statement (Peking telegram No. 243). The Governor
Flag E412A of Hong Kong commented (Hong Kong telegram No. 397); Sir D.
Flag Hopson replied (Peking telegram Nɔ. 267); the Governor commented
Flag
Flag
Flag
Flag
23 again (Hong Kong telegram No. 437) and produced a redraft
148(Hong Kong telegram No. 338 of 30 March).
4. The only point of substance on which the Governor has not
been prepared to meet Sir D. Hopson is whether or not the
Chinese should be allowed a say in the eventual return to Hong
Kong of persons now in prison in Hong Kong who may, before the
termination of their sentences, be "allowed to reside in China"
(1.e. deported). I am sure the Governor is right in this; and
since Sir D. Hopson has not returned to the charge, we can take
it that he acquiesces.
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15.