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earlier termination date than 1997. For this reason I think some explanation to the Chinese through appropriate channels would be needed. This could also be the opportunity to ask them to think with us beyond the 1997 date and to sound out whether they are ready yet to show something of their hand.
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PERCY CRADOCK
HE Sir Murray MacLehose GBE KCMG KCVO Hong Kong
RC Samuel Esq
Far Eastern Dept FCO
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