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MDHOAN 9756
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OPPOSITION TO THE SCHEME AMONG THE GOVERNMENT'S OWN SUPPORTERS IN PARLIAMENT, AND MINISTERS ARE CONCERNED THAT THERE SHOULD BE NO LEAKS. THE NEED FOR FULL CABINET APPROVAL IS ALSO A FACTOR. FOR THESE REASONS, WE ENVISAGE THAT YOU WOULD NOT TAKE ACTION WITH THE CHINESE UNTIL THE AFTERNOON OF WEDNESDAY 20 DECEMBER, LOCAL TIME, THUS GIVING THE CHINESE NO MORE THAN A FEW HOURS' NOTICE. IT IS UNLIKELY TO BE POSSIBLE TO DESPATCH INSTRUCTIONS UNTIL TUESDAY, 19 DECEMBER, AFTER CABINET HAS APPROVED THE STATEMENT. I ASSUME THAT IN YOUR ABSENCE COATES WOULD SEEK A CALL ON GUO FENGMIN.
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(FOR BTC HONG KONG.) IT WILL BE VITAL, NOT LEAST IN PARLIAMENTARY TERMS, THAT THE SCHEME SHOULD BE WELL RECEIVED IN HONG KONG WHEN IT IS ANNOUNCED. YOU WILL HAVE AN IMPORTANT PART TO PLAY IN ACHIEVING THIS. I SHOULD BE GRATEFUL IF YOU WOULD CONCERT WITH THE GOVERNOR.
(FOR HONG KONG.) I SHOULD BE GRATEFUL IF YOU COULD PUT GALSWORTHY IN THE PICTURE.
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HURD
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NO DISTRIBUTION
MR PAUL, HKD
MR BURNS, NEWS
MR MILLINGTON, FED
PS/MR MAUDE
MR GILLMORE
MR MCLAREN
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