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THIS IS A COPY THE ORIGINAL HAS BEEN RETAINED IN THE DEPARTMENT UNDER SECTION 3 (4) OF THE PUBLIC RECORDS ACT 1958
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that we should use this opportunity to try to establish a
dialogue on the future of Hong Kong (paragraph 5 of Peking TUR);
Sir M MacLehose sees no advantage in seeking a dialogue until
K
the Chinese accept which they have not done so far - that
there is a fairly urgent problem to have a dialogue about. His
view is that we should confine ourselves at this stage to
reiterating the point that a practical problem exists which
cannot be dealt with by general assurances, and that a solution
will have to be found sooner or later (paragraphs 4 and 5 of
Hong Kong TUR).
5.
I find the Governor's arguments persuasive and have
largely followed his recommendations in paragraph of the
points to make. But the question whether or not to seek a
dialogue is perhaps academic. The Chinese may, during Premier
Hua's visit, be prepared to reveal more of their thinking than
was conveyed in their memorandum rejecting our proposals
(Peking telegram No 826). Whether or not they do so, we must
see what they say and then,
consider how best to take the matter forward.
But we
can only, I suggest, move one step at a time in this very
sensitive area.
6. The draft brief is longer than I would have liked but it
covers a number of quite separate issues.
викори
RJT McLaren
Hong Kong and General Department
12 October 1979
cc Mr Murray
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