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4. The Governor's time-table would mean that we had to decide
on introduction before the smoke had cleared from the MPC. It
could also mean that introduction would take place before the MPC had finished, which would increase the risk of an
intemperate Chinese reaction. We therefore believe that there
are good arguments for not taking a firm decision now, and
reviewing at the regular ExCo meeting on 30 March whether the
balance of advantage is in favour of introduction on 31 March,
or waiting until after LegCo's Easter recess, which would
probably mean introduction on 21 April. If introduction takes
place on 31 March some of that time could be spent on the committee stage. But it would be worth being certain before
going ahead on that timing, that there was no remaining prospect
of talks.
dieth
PF Ricketts
This reflects conclusions A
a
laisia vitt Si J. Coles.
way.for.PET
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