CONFIDENTIAL
WE OF COURSE, ARE DOING OUR OWN CONTINGENCY PLANNING IN CASE THE STERLING GUARANTEE AGREEMENT IS NOT RENEWED (OR IS NOT RENEWED IN A SUITABLE FORM) BUT, AT THIS TIME, I WOULD NOT LIKE TO BE DRAWN DURTHER ON WHAT WE HAVE IN MIND TO SAFEGUARD OUR ESSENTIAL
INTERESTS. I CAN ONLY ASK HONOURABLE MEMBERS TO ACCEPT MY EARNEST
ASSURANCE THAT THE GOVERNMENT IS WELL AWARE OF THE GREAT
IMPORTANCE OF THESE ISSUES AND IS IN CLOSE TOUCH WITH OUR BANKERS.''
2. I SHOULD BE GRATEFUL FOR YOUR COMMENTS, IF ANY, BY TUESDAY (17TH) MORNING HONG KONG TIME.
MACLEHOSE
ORWELL DISTRIBUTION
FRD
HKI OD
PRIVATE SECRETARY
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CONFIDENTIAL