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nsure that this was so. If there was anything specific that
nhua was unable to do because of the lack of the name, ways could be found of satisfying them. The Governor thought that the time would come for official representation. But if it happened now it would disturb people, just as cooperation was improving; and people might consider that this was the first step to rendition. Furthermore, the representative could be in a difficult position through involvement in local politics. If it were a matter of something practical, arrangements could be made. If it were a matter of the name he hoped that the Chinese Government would reconsider. But he noted that the matter would be raised with Dr Owen. Huang Hua said he thought the fears and anxieties mentioned by the Governor were exaggerated, Chima proceeded from the consideration that official representation in Hong Kong would be beneficial to the resolution of problems which cropped up and to Anglo Chinese tlations. Discussion on this point could be resumed later. 6. After some talk about the Governor's programme, Sir Murray
It
or do anything.
The problem was that
There were many
reverted to the New Territories land leases question, and said that he wished there to be no misunderstanding. What was proposed would not affect China's basic position in any way. There was no requirement for the Chinese Government to say was a question of adjusting British land law.
each land owner had a lease from the Government.
thousands in the New Territories, all worded so that their validity
expired in June 1997. He had explained to the Vice-Premier that this date was having a bad effect on investment, and would have a worse affect in future, particularly on capital intensive and high technology investment which Hong Kong needed. Hong Kong was therefore considering removing the date and having something less specific. But the new wording must not contradict China's position on Hong Kong: it was a question of Hong Kong and the UK doing something, with nothing being required of the Chinese Government. The Vice- Premier had seemed to consider the maintenance of investment was
the key consideration. He also seemed to have no objection to a measure which did not contradict the Chinese position on Hong Kong. Before action was taken the Ambassador would naturally be in touch
with the Foreign Ministry.
7. Huang Hua commented that there was time to give consideration since there were 18 years before the New Territories leases expired. Time was not pressing. The Governor made clear that he was not thinking of the long term question but of investment here and now. The long term was another issue altogether. Huang Hua said that they would study the proposal. Vice-Premier Deng had outlined China's principled stand on Hong Kong. The Governor commented that this
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