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its best for the five million inhabitants whose lives would be profoundly affected if we failed to find a proper solution. Mr Heath warned against the danger of getting into a position where ''the wishes of the local community were paramount'
6. We also took the opportunity to impress on Mr May the importance of Mr Heath supporting the tough British negotiating position. Although Mr Heath made it plain that it is known in China that he is not an advocate for the present British Government, I think he will be reasonably circumspect in what he says to Deng. His advisers thought he would speak helpfully.
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Akdmald
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A E Donald