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Kong Government representatives accepted that it might be wiser to let the paper stand but wanted HKG's views to be
sought. It was agreed that perhaps a staged approach would be
better. With this in mind, HKG propose to approach the Chinese delegate in the margins of next week's IMO Maritime
Safety Committee meeting stating that their intention is not
to speak to the paper as it is out of date and that legally it
would be incorrect to adhere to it. It was agreed that HKD
would agree a line to take with Hong Kong (draft telegram
attached)
·
Given the strong public interest in this subject
in Hong Kong, HKG cannot afford to be seen as being too soft
on China. But they must be careful not to lay themselves open
to an attack from China which might have wider implications
for other issues.
RS Moore
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