CONFIDENTIAL
062315
MDHIAN 457
THAT OUR BEST ARGUMENT FOR BELIEVING HONG KONG HAS A SECURE FUTURE
IS THAT IT PLAYS A VITAL ROLE IN THE FUNDAMENTAL CHINESE NATIONAL
POLICY OF ECONOMIC MODERNISATION AND OPENING TO THE OUTSIDE WORLD.
WE HAVE CULTIVATED OUR RELATIONS WITH THE COASTAL AREA AND WITH GUANGDONG PROVINCE IN PARTICULAR WITH THAT IN MIND. SANCTIONS WOULD UNDERMINE THE VERY FOUNDATIONS OF THE ARGUMENT.
5. WE ARE AWARE THAT THE VIEW OF CONGRESS ON THE ISSUE IS NOT SHARED BY THE ADMINISTRATION OR THE PRESIDENT HIMSELF. IT IS UNFORTUNATE THAT THE ONLY HONG KONG VOICE THAT CONGRESS HAVE RECENTLY HEARD
ON THE ISSUE HAS BEEN THAT OF
LEADING EMOTIONALLY FOR IMPOSITION OF SANCTIONS BEFOR
MAN RIGHTS COMMITTEE. THIS MAY HAVE LEFT THE IMPRESSION THAT HONG KONG BELIEVES SANCTIONS SHOULD BE IMPOSED. THAT IS CERTAINLY NOT THE COMMON VIEW HERE, WHERE THE PROSPECT IS VIEWED BY THE BUSINESS COMMUNITY AND BY US WITH GREAT CONCERN.
WILSON
YYYY
MAIN
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182
CHINA POLITICAL
LIMITED
FED
NEWS DEPT
INFO DEPT
PUSD
RESEARCH DEPT
ECD (E)
DISTRIBUTION
193
RID
SPD
POD
PRU
RMD
DEFENCE D
COD
PS
HKD
SEAD
SAD
SOVIET DEPT
CONSULAR
MWU
PSD
COMED
EED
UND
PAGE
PS/MRS CHALKER
PS/LORD GLENARTHUR
PS/MR WALDEGRAVE
PS/MR EGGAR
PS/MR PATTEN
PS/PUS
PS/SIR J FRETWELL
CHIEF CLERK
MR MOSS
MR GILLMORE
2
CONFIDENTIAL