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6.
2.
It seems noticeable that the CPG are
trying to keep this row at the local level and not
involve the UK, e.g. the attacks on me personally and the constant adverse references to the HK Government disassociated from the UK, with emphasis on the misdeeds of the local authorities. This would appear to be an attempt to persuade the UK to disengage and leave HK to suffer humiliation unsupported.
7.
If para 2(b) is their aim, and they gain it, any attempt to administer Hong Kong in a proper manner in future would be intolerably difficult: similar situations to the present would be a constant danger and (unless the Government of China changes its complexion) would probably be manufactured from time to time to keep us in proper mood of subjection. It is the technique used with persons the CPG are not sure of internally.
Hard or soft response?
8.
9.
We can either respond by:-
(a) accepting all demands now or when forced
into it; or
(b) acting with extreme caution and restraint, and continuing to try reason and probe for
reasonable peace terms; or
(c) we can make it very clear that para 2(b) is a solution we will never willingly accept, and counter-attack in a selective and deliberate
manner.
Of the above:
(a) is easy: I could use the prerogative of clemency to release prisoners, CP and I could be removed, and some form of words found. But this is
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