Confidential
NAC MINISTERIAL, 26 FEBRUARY:
SECRETARY OF STATE'S BILATERAL
WITH THE UNITED STATES' SECRETARY OF STATE
CHINA/MFN
Background
Embassy Washington report that US Administration believe that
unconditional renewal of MFN is a non-starter. The Governor
believes that it is too early in our lobbying effort to expose
our fallback position; but the Ambassador believes that it is
unrealistic to expect that Clinton can avoid applying conditions
to MFN, and that we must put down a marker to defend Hong Kong's interests. The line to take does not commit Hong Kong on the
substance, but puts a foot in the door.
Confidential
points.MFN.ADM.JRB