from Hong Kong so long as there is any chance of
the removal being connected with these recent
incidents.
As you with know from my
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3.
At my instance the Foreign Office, in
reply to a recent request from H.M. Ambassador at
have asked
Nanking, are asking him to adopt a completely
non-committal attitude towards any questions from
the Press about the future of Hong Kong and the New
Territories, and to say that he is not in a position
to make any statement on that matter. I appreciate that it might be embarrassing for you
for//you to take an
exactly similar line if, for example, questions
were asked in the Legislative Council, and that you
might wish in that event at least to reiterate most
recent pronouncements made by Ministers here.
Also,
your situation differs from that of H.M. Ambassador
in that a Press campaign for the return of Hong Kong
to China might have more immediate and serious
consequences in Hong Kong than in China, necessitating
quick and effective counter measures in the Colony.
I should not wish in any way to fetter your judgment
in handling such a situation in an emergency. On the
other hand
food
hand, it is elverly desirable, whenever possible, for an approach through diplomatic channels te be
olm OTHER
considered before any/action is taken and I would,
Know
therefore, ask that, unless time and other circumstances
that unless stim
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mil
myself
do not permit, the Embassy and I may soulted in
advance about any proposals, particularly when they
involve publicity for countering future Chinese propaganda
}
or other activities affecting the status of Hong Kong
or the New Territories.
This will alse, of course, apply
to any other proposals for publicity on the subject of
the status of Hong Kong or the New Territories not
arising out of Chinese propaganda or other activities.
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