TNAG-0379-FCO40-425-Sterling-assets-and-balance-of-payments-of-Hong-Kong-1973 — Page 128

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very much of the view that the assurance of some degree of stability, which these agreements have offered and can

continue to offer all of us, is important.

I know, however,

that one or two of my colleagues have found it inconvenient to have to consider now a matter on which a decision was not expected until next year, and I also have the sense that a number of my colleagues, facing the many uncertainties which surround us and lie in prospect, may have a preference for making up their minds a little nearer that time.

5.

Whilst, therefore, I know that one or two of my colleagues would have welcomed the opportunity to make fir arrangements now, I think that I shall best reflect the consensus of different attitudes in suggesting that we should pause for a while on this subject, with the idea of resuming

Meanwhile, of course, discussions and negotiation next year.

you continue to be covered by the existing agreement as it

stands.

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