CONFIDENTIAL
to take any title which is granted before 1997 in a manifestation of the Crown which is different from the more general manifestations e.g. the Crown in right of Hong Kong or the Crown in right of the United Kingdom. I have suggested in earlier minutes that the title should be granted to the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs.
5.
As to substance, we need to ensure, in advance of 1997, that the Chinese will accept that this particular title will form an exception to the general proposition. One factor in this may be (but this is pure speculation) a predisposition of the Chinese authorities to equate the title on which we hold representational land in Hong Kong to the title on which we hold representational land in Peking and Shanghai.
Paul Fifoot
Mr Layden
If this is not clear to the Chief Secretary or Mr Margolis, it might be a good idea to send him a copy of this minute.
CONFIDENTIAL
PF