A
Background
CONFIDENTIAL
Redacted under FOI exemption section 27 (1)
40
5. The Governor concludes, with justification, that
we face the prospect
of having to abandon the airport project. That would be bad for Hong Kong. But it would also be, I believe, a setback
for China. Most of the evidence suggests that the Chinese
want the airport to be built and that their present stance
is not simply a wrecking tactic.
B 6. In Hong Kong telno 581, the Governor sketches out
alternative ideas which could form the basis of an
agreement. These counter proposals would still constitute a
fundamental departure from present practice and could be
presented to the Chinese as significant concessions. I
believe that they constitute a reasonable and realistic negotiating position.
C
7. The Governor has suggested that a message from him (text in Hong Kong telno 582) be sent to Lu Ping, with Ministers' approval
VIMACT/2
CONFIDENTIAL