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AWKWARD TIME AND FIND THE CHINESE UNWILLING TO ENDORSE LEGISLATION. I WOULD PREFER TO KEEP AN OPEN MIND ON THE
POSSIBILITY OF LEGISLATION. THE NEED FOR IT WOULD BE A
PERFECTLY REASONABLE MATTER FOR DISCUSSION WITH THE CHINESE.
3.
THE AMBASSADOR HAS SUGGESTED, IN HIS TELNO 69 TO HONG KONG, A LINE FOR THE SECRETARY OF STATE TO USE IN FOLLOWING UP THE DISCUSSION BETWEEN THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY AND GU MU. IT COMMITS US TO NOW MORE THAN OFFERING TO PURSUE THE LATTER'S IMPLICIT SUGGESTION OF A DIALOGUE. THE LAND LEASES ARE THE IMMEDIATE QUESTION, AND THE LINE IN PARAGRAPH 5 OF THE POLITICAL ADVISER'S LETTER IS COMPATIBLE WITH IT. (AND WITH WHAT THE GOVERNOR HAS ALREADY SAID TO LIAO CHENGZHI (PARAGRAPH B OF HIS LETTER OF 8 JULY TO MCLAREN)). THE DIFFICULTY WITH THE LINE PROPOSED BY WILSON IS THAT IF THE QUESTION IS GETTING URGENT, WE SHALL HAVE TO ASK THE CHINESE TO GET INTO TECHNICALITIES SOON, EVEN IF THEY SHOW LITTLE INITIAL INTEREST.
GEORGE
FILES
HRED (4)
FED
PSjMR BLAKER SIRE YOUDE
MR DONALD
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