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to avoid sidetracking any discussions on New Territories leases etc. This is a fair point, but the two questions should be compatible.
A good deal will depend on whether the Secretary of State gets any response from the Chinese on the leases issue. If official discussions get under way, it could be very helpful to bring the airport proposal in as part of a joint package designed to encourage investment confidence. For instance, if we can interest the Chinese in expanding on Deng Xiaoping's 'hearts at ease' statement, we might get them to do it in the specific context of the airport. I mean that we could ask them to say that:
6.
a) investment in the airport and associated projects was recognised to be a long-term matter and investors could operate with confidence;
b) leaseholders of associated plots (presumably around
but not on the airport itself) could similarly be reassured that their holdings would be secure for a reasonable period.
I propose to reply as in the attached draft.
Дир
25 September 1980
сс
Mr Burton MAED
Mr Davies FED
R D Clift
Hong Kong and General Department
P.S. We will need also to consider the commercial
implications of all his and the opportunities for
we do this separately. We would usefully discuss with the Governor when he is here in
british indudly.
But 1
судств
9
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aple November (Mr. Mauch will be here
too).
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