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Yes.
that. While pressing for unconditional renewal, we and Hong Kong needed to study the draft US legislation closely and consider (as first fallback) pressing for one year's stay of
execution, and (second fallback) what amendments we would need
at a minimum to turn the bill into a token measure which would
not really bite on Hong Kong.
But
5. I said that in our view it was right not to muddy the
waters at this stage by varying our public line that unconditional renewal of MFN was necessary for Hong Kong.
we were very conscious of the need to think ahead on this
subject. We had done some work ourselves without identifying any very hopeful possibilities. We would be replying shortly to Christopher Meyer's letter and would be encouraging Hong
Kong to do some creative thinking.
6.
Sir R Renwick commented more generally that Mr Patten's
proposals had been well received in the US. But this risked
being elevated into another condition for MFN renewal ; ie
that China would have to respond sensibly to the electoral proposals if they were to retain MFN status. He also repeated the point in his telegram that when the Governor goes to Washington, his visit must be presented as to promote his views on Hong Kong generally, not just on MFN.
7.
In the light of all this, I submit an interim telegram to Washington.
Redeatz
P F Ricketts
mfn.FUTURE.kr
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