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3.
APA II took note. She said that it might not be
possible to reply before Tuesday, because of the Ching Ming
holiday. She pointed out that when the Queen arrived Director
Xu's position took account of the fact that HM was coming from
China.
4.
But
The situation was discussed at the GH morning meeting
on 7 April. It was noted that there could already be criticism
by the public and the press of Xu's positioning on the pier.
To move him up one place (i.e. above the Doyen) would probably
not greatly increase the criticism although it would mean
making a further concession to the Chinese under pressure.
the essential point was that a row with the Chinese over the
Governor's arrival would not be worthwhile. The public would
come to accept that the PRC had a special position here and it
was not unreasonable that this should be recognised. It was
therefore agreeed that NCNA should be told that Xu Jiatun would
be placed on the pier before the Doyen. They should also be
told that the Acting Governor had expressed a strong wish that the NCNA Director should attend the swearing in ceremony. (It was noted that Xu might have objections to this on the ground that it was a colonial procedure but his departure after the pier greeting would be awkward to arrange and would certainly
attract comment.)
5.
The Acting Governor explained the position to Sir S Y
Chung later in the day. Sir S Y expressed understanding.
APA II passed the agreed message to NCNA in the afternoon of
7 April. Confirmation was received on 8 April that Xu would attend the swearing in ceremony.
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