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You ask Britain and China to return to the negotiating table.
As far as the British side is concerned, we have never left the
table. We want the talks to continue on the remaining issues in the time gained by getting on with the most urgent elements.
We have proposed a further round of talks on 17/18 December.
regret to say that the Chinese side have not yet indicated that
they are ready to join us again at the table.
I
I have been taking a close personal interest in these
developments. I sent Premier Li Peng a message in November proposing intensified efforts to reach an agreement. We will certainly continue to give high priority to this as part of our offer to ensure full implementation of the Joint Declaration
and cooperation with China.
JOHN MAJOR
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