9.
of Chinese economic, cultural and political activity in Hong Kong leading eventually to the appointment of an official Chinese representative. This process would have to be accompanied by a steady flow of assurances through diplomatic and private channels that China would not disturb the status quo until she considered the time was ripe, and that in this respect the date in the Lease had no relevance.
21.
If the Chinese prefer the evolutionary approach, this should have become clear before a situation is reached in the mid-80s beyond which we could not defer negotiations. In any event whether the procedure is gradual and evolutionary or by means of a set-piece negotiation, or more probably a combination of both, it will be important to hold such essential negotiating points as we have until we can be sure that in conceding them we are safeguarding ourselves against the sort of catastrophe described in Para. 5.
Time might help
22.
Time is the crux of the problem
and might greatly ease it. This problem only exists because the Chinese administration is so harsh and idiosyncratic and its economic and living standards are so low that the prospect of being subject to them frightens both the Chinese and foreign communities here. But this could change with economic development in China, different personalities, and the passage of time. To gain time is therefore a considerable objective in itself.
The related problem of Taiwan
23.
Finally I should mention Taiwan. The Chinese have always made clear that the problem of Hong Kong and Macau is not related in any way to that of Taiwan. Nevertheless if some solution were reached to the problem of Taiwan it might possibly include arrangements that afforded a satisfactory precedent for
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