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could note that we hope for good practical results from
the next JLG meeting in London from 24-26 September.
If questioned by non-ExCo members on specific items of JLG business, the Prime Minister could say that JLG
business is always confidential but add a few remarks:
Court of Final Appeal. Raised this in Peking. Hope
for early progress. No question of compromising principle of judicial independence;
Defence Lands. Also raised this complex subject. Hope for faster progress now. Not helpful to discuss
publicly yet;
-
Air Services Agreements.
Rather a slow process:
need to press on;
British Consulate-General.
Continuing discussions
with HKG and Chinese: should be easy to settle. We
intend to build a fitting Consulate-General, which will
mark our confidence in Hong Kong's continuing success
after 1997. (Note: the choice of the Colvin House site
has leaked in the press but is little-known.)
Hong Kong Government
Some erosion of HKG credibility and morale was no
doubt always likely in the approach to 1997. Since 1989
the effect has increased because of negative developments
in China and in Sino-British relations, Chinese
propaganda campaigns and the long deadlock over the
airport.
Not all British politicians or businessmen take
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