CONFIDENTIAL
LIEU-ET
that the operation should go ahead.
Current outlook for IMCs in Vietnam appears gloomy. But we intend to persevere: still represent best hope for early solution. Must try to overcome difficulties.
(Defensive) Hope that some form of solution can be
found which obviates the need for further accommodation.
We are under very tight financial constraints. Would have to look at my request for funds very carefully.
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With others, the Prime Minister might say:
Appreciate the way Hong Kong has continued to bear
an increasingly difficult burden. Will have (Have had) a full discussion with the Governor of measures to ensure repatriation of Vietnamese migrants under the terms of the Comprehensive Plan of Action.
MFN
A final Senate vote may take place in September. The small majority in favour of conditional renewal on the first vote in July (55-44) makes it likely that President Bush's policy, to renew China's MFN status unconditionally, will succeed. There is much relief in Hong Kong. (Non-renewal of China's MFN status would result in a loss of some 43,000 jobs in Hong Kong, a drop of up to half in Hong Kong's current GDP growth and a loss of US$9 billion to US$12 billion in trade.)
The Prime Minister could take some credit:
CONFIDENTIAL