SECRET

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We would then be moving from the short-term problem to the

long-term future.

The effect on political as well as business

confidence in Hong Kong would have to be carefully examined.

There would also be major legal problems.

9. But the Chinese appear now less inclined to tackle the

sovereignty question head on. The 'solution' they envisage

seems to be an evolutionary one, dependent on the economic

levelling up of Southern Guangdon and Hong Kong, which they

recognise will take a long time.

SECRET

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